Fire near Rowena spreads as I-84 reopens

Interstate 84 has reopened in both directions between Hood River and The Dalles, but the

wildfire that prompted its closure

Wednesday continues to threaten the area.

Sheriff’s officials are asking more residents in Wasco County to prepare to evacuate as the

fire

that started near Rowena on Wednesday afternoon continues to burn. (See

map

The human-caused fire has destroyed 20 homes and has spread to 2,500 acres, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center reported Thursday morning.

Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Wednesday afternoon to allow the Oregon State Fire Marshal to deploy resources to combat the blaze.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 (go now) evacuation order early Wednesday afternoon for people living by Rowena River Ferry Road, a stretch of I-84 and U.S. 30 to Discovery Road.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Dalles Middle School for people who have been ordered to evacuate.

Courtesy of the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday morning, sheriff’s officials issued new warnings, including Level 3 (go now) orders for Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive, south to Chenowith Creek Road and Browns Creek Road, east to West 7th Street.

People living in the Port area of The Dalles are also under Level 2 (get set) orders, as well as people living from U.S. 30 west to Dell Road, State Road south to Seven Mile Hill Road and east to Mountain View Drive.

The Red Cross has opened a shelter at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th St., and people can take livestock and horses to the Wasco County Fairgrounds at 81849 Fairgrounds Road, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office said.

U.S. 30 in the area remains closed due to the fire.

Residents can view an evacuation map

here.

— Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.

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