Jefferson County residents received welcome news on Tuesday, August 25, as the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office lifted most evacuation levels tied to the Rowe Creek Complex wildfire — the largest fire burning in Central Oregon this season.

As of the most recent update, the Rowe Creek Complex stands at 373,981 acres with 91% containment. More than 1,300 personnel remain assigned to the fire, working to mop up remaining hot spots and finalize containment lines.

Where Evacuation Levels Stand

The vast majority of Jefferson County evacuation zones have been downgraded or lifted entirely. The only area still carrying an active evacuation level is the neighborhood around SE 19th Street and the southern half of NE 18th Street, which remains at a Level One — Be Ready — designation. Residents in those areas should stay prepared to leave quickly if conditions change.

All other previously active evacuation zones in Jefferson County have been fully lifted.

A Summer of Fire

The Rowe Creek Complex, which started with a lightning-caused ignition on July 15, grew explosively during early August when a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning blanketed much of eastern Oregon. At its peak, the fire drove Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations across parts of Jefferson County, and communities throughout the region spent weeks under a haze of smoke.

Warm Springs was among the hardest-hit communities this fire season — at least six homes burned on the reservation during related fire activity. Jefferson County Fire & EMS has maintained Stage 2 fire restrictions since early August, prohibiting the use of burn barrels and sharply limiting open burning.

Restrictions Still in Effect

Despite the good news on containment, Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect across Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation. Conditions remain critically dry, and fire managers are urging the public to continue avoiding any ignition sources outdoors.

  • No campfires except in developed sites with metal fire rings
  • No burn barrels or debris burning
  • No welding or grinding outdoors without a fire watch
  • Smoking only in enclosed vehicles or developed recreation sites

Residents can check current fire restriction maps at gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions and stay updated through the Central Oregon Fire Information website at centraloregonfire.org.

Jefferson County Emergency Management encourages all households to keep go-bags ready and sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts at jeffco.net even as the immediate threat recedes.