Firefighters are working around the clock to clear hazards from U.S. Highway 26 with the goal of reopening the corridor as they gain further control over the massive Rowe Creek Complex.

Rowe Creek Fire Map from August 12, 2026.

The fire, located about 10 miles south of Fossil, has burned 373,540 acres and is 78 percent contained. There are 1,639 personnel assigned to the incident, which began July 15.

Crews are coordinating with the Oregon Department of Transportation to improve conditions along the highway, which is currently closed between mileposts 29 and 49. Firefighters are conducting "mop-up" operations to extinguish hidden hot spots, and felling crews are removing hazard trees that could threaten the roadway.

Helicopters are being used heavily overhead to drop water, an activity officials noted would not be possible if the road were open to the public. Decisions regarding the reopening will be based on both public and firefighter safety, as hidden risks like stressed bridges and roadbeds remain in the closed areas.

In the Mill Creek area, wildland and structure protection teams are working together to control flames backing down canyon walls. Firefighters have expanded defensible space around local homes and outbuildings from 30 feet to 100 feet to mitigate potential fire impacts.

Other operational updates include:

• Strategic Burning: Crews used strategic ignitions near Salmon Creek to protect the U.S. 26 corridor and along Ranger Station Road (CR 23) to tie containment lines together.
• Securing Lines: Firefighters have successfully established "black" (burned out) edges along Cherry Creek and Tompkins Pass roads, though infrared drones show heat remains in the area.
• Resource Sharing: Improving conditions allowed managers to send one engine strike team to help fight the nearby Grasshopper Fire, which is currently experiencing extreme behavior.

Milder weather is expected today, with a high of 83 degrees and humidity levels improving to 25 percent. While some moisture is expected in the region over the next two weeks, no significant rain is in the immediate forecast.

Air quality continues to fluctuate rapidly between good and hazardous. Monitor real-time conditions at fire.airnow.gov.

Jefferson County reduced some evacuation statuses on Tuesday. Residents in Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, and Wheeler counties are urged to check official interactive maps for their current status. A Red Cross shelter remains available at the East Side Church (3174 NE Third Street) in Prineville.

A public meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. at Barnes Butte Elementary School (1875 NE Ironhorse Drive, Prineville). The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Rowe Creek Complex Facebook page.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use is illegal and will immediately ground all firefighting aircraft.