8/9/2014 AM Rowena Fire Update

For More Information: Information phones will be staffed 8:00 am to 8:00 pm 971-701-4186 971-701-4212   Summary Despite strong winds and low humidity, burnout operations yesterday and through last night were successful. Fire containment has increased from 35 to 55 percent. Containment lines are in place and the fire threat to the Adeline Way, Simonelli Road, and Foley Lakes communities is diminishing.  Incident Commanders and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office evaluated the evacuation order and have determined that all 740 residences that have been under a Level 1 or Level 3 evacuation order will be at Level 1.  All residents may return to their homes.  Please read below for specific information on roadblocks. Today, firefighters will continue to focus on removing unburned fuel and holding containment lines. Structural protection Burnout operations took place along the slopes above the affected communities and were successful, taking out unburned fuel from Old Highway 30 to the flame front.  There was no report of structural loss overnight. Evacuations A total of 740 residences have been under a Level 1 or Level 3 evacuation order.  Evacuation levels have been reduced to a Level I (Get Ready) for all residents living on Highway 30 West.  Residents may return home at this time, but are asked to be alert for changing conditions and cautious of firefighting efforts. Roadblocks on Highway 30 West have been reduced and there will be no through traffic on Highway 30 between the addresses of 4877 and 5220.  Residents living to the east of 4877 Highway 30, the intersection with Adeline Way, should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 82.  This includes Tooley Terrace, Adeline Way, and Simonellli Road. Residents living to the west of 5220 Highway 30 should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 76. Safety tips and information for residents who are returning to their homes can be found here on the Oregon Fire Marshal’s website:  http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.pdf The evacuation shelter, which has been set up by the Red Cross at Dry Hollow Elementary School located at 1314 E 19th, The Dalles, OR, remains open at this time. Fire strategy for today Some crews will be demobilized today while other crews will be engaged with mop-up and watching for any additional hotspots. Today’s objectives will be to continue burning off unburned fuel and holding established containment lines. Warnings This weekend a high level of public traffic is expected in and through The Gorge area.  The public is urged to be mindful of personal safety and ongoing firefighting operations, use caution when traveling near or around the fire, and to not stop along Interstate 84 to take photos or observe firefighting operations. Governor’s visit On Friday, Governor Kitzhaber visited the Rowena Fire area and the Incident Command Post. He called this year’s fire efforts “exceptional,” and expressed thanks for the fire suppression efforts to date. Unified command The fire is being managed under a unified command between the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and Oregon Department of Forestry. This Unified Command is working for ODF Central Oregon District, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mid Columbia Fire & Rescue.