Article   ·   July 21, 2026

Rowe Creek Complex containment reaches 21% as crews prepare for incoming lightning threat

Firefighters prioritize structure protection across three counties while 148,000-acre blaze continues to burn

Containment on the Rowe Creek Complex grew to 21 percent Tuesday as firefighters across Wheeler, Wasco, and Crook counties worked to reinforce lines ahead of a forecasted shift in weather. The lightning-caused complex has now burned 148,563 acres.

While crews made progress Monday, officials warn that warmer and drier conditions today will likely increase fire activity. A Red Flag Warning for lightning is also in effect for Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., which could lead to new fire starts in the region.

Oregon State Fire Marshal resources remain focused on structure protection across the complex, specifically in areas from Mitchell and the Highway 26 corridor to Twickenham, Cougar Mountain Road, and Burnt Ranch Road.

Progress continues on the four individual fires within the complex:

• Crosswhite Fire: The largest incident at 131,352 acres and 16 percent containment. Firefighters are utilizing heavy equipment to remove vegetation along Old Logging Road on the southwest side to establish a control line and keep the fire north of Highway 26.
• Deep Canyon Fire: Now 77 percent contained at 8,089 acres. Crews are mopping up interior hot spots to ensure the perimeter remains secure.
• Camel Hump Fire: Remains at 0 percent containment at 6,526 acres. The fire is currently holding along Highway 207, where previous burnout operations strengthened the road as a control line.
• Parrish Fire: At 404 acres and 43 percent containment, this fire shows minimal activity as crews finish mop-up operations.

A total of 590 personnel are assigned to the complex, supported by 40 engines, six dozers, and eight aircraft. A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place over the area; unauthorized drone flights are illegal and will immediately ground all firefighting aircraft.

Evacuation levels 1, 2, and 3 are still in effect for residents of Wheeler and Wasco counties. Several public land closures remain, including all Bureau of Land Management land along the John Day River from Service Creek to the Columbia River, as well as the Clarno and Painted Hills units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

A community meeting is scheduled for tonight, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheeler High School Gymnasium in Fossil.

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