June 13, 2025 11:15 a.m.

On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Rowena Fire in Wasco County.

A release from the Governor’s office said the Wasco County Fire Defense Board chief requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection, and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.

Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. The conflagration was declared only for the Rowena Fire threatening structures in Wasco County.

For updates on the Rowena Fire, go to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff