Fire managers reported Thursday that the Rowe Creek Complex — one of the largest wildfires in Central Oregon this season — has held steady at approximately 373,981 acres and is now 89 percent contained, with crews methodically mopping up hot spots and working toward full control.

The fire, caused by a lightning strike east of Culver and Metolius, spread across the Crooked River National Grassland and surrounding lands after igniting earlier this month. At its peak, it prompted evacuations and triggered statewide firefighting resources, with 23 Oregon counties ultimately contributing personnel and equipment to the effort.

International Crews Still on Scene

Roughly 1,100 firefighters remain assigned to the complex, including specialized crews from Australia and New Zealand who joined the effort under international fire-crew exchange agreements. The Mill Creek area, where a falling snag caused a flare-up earlier this week, continues to receive focused attention as crews remove hazardous trees and conduct mop-up 25 feet inside the fire perimeter.

Northern sections of the fire have been placed on patrol status — meaning active suppression work is largely complete and crews are now monitoring for any new activity rather than aggressively engaging flames.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal's structural firefighting resources, which had been protecting homes in the fire zone, have been demobilized and returned to home agencies. There are currently no Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders in Jefferson County related to the Rowe Creek Complex.

Air Quality Advisory Expires This Afternoon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for Jefferson, Crook, Hood River, and southern Wasco counties on Wednesday, Aug. 19, due to smoke drifting in from multiple fires burning in Oregon and Washington. That advisory is expected to expire by Friday afternoon, Aug. 21.

Intermittent smoke remains possible in the region as mop-up operations continue. Jefferson County residents — particularly children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions — are encouraged to monitor conditions and limit strenuous outdoor activity when smoke is visible.

How to Track Conditions

  • Visit oregonsmoke.org for the latest smoke advisories
  • Check DEQ's Air Quality Index at aqi.oregon.gov
  • Download the free OregonAIR app for real-time updates on your phone

Fire managers expect to provide further updates as mop-up progresses. When it is fully contained, the Rowe Creek Complex will stand as one of the most significant fire events in Jefferson County in recent memory — a testament to the scale of this year's fire season across Central Oregon.