Suppression repair work on the Conant Fire — one of several blazes included in the Rowe Creek Complex that burned across Central Oregon this season — has been completed, with crews now finalizing remaining tasks on smaller fires in the complex. A regional wildfire recovery event is scheduled for September 26 in Prineville.
According to the Central Oregon Fire Information team’s September 20 update, resources assigned to the Conant and 0594 fires have been moved to other fire areas. Work on the smaller fires in the complex is expected to be finished within the next shift or two.
Crosswhite and Shingle Fire Repairs Ongoing
On the Shingle Fire, crews remain focused on fences cut or damaged during suppression activities along the fire’s east flank.
Repair work on the Crosswhite Fire — also part of the Rowe Creek Complex — is progressing to the north and east. Crews are currently:
- Felling hazard trees near roadways to reduce risk to motorists and recreationists
- Dispersing soil berms created by fire suppression equipment
- Scattering vegetation and debris across control lines to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion
Fire officials say the restoration work is essential to protect soil and water quality, maintain vegetation productivity, and preserve the long-term integrity of local ecosystems.
Warm, Dry Weather Ahead — Crews Remain Ready
Forecasters are calling for seasonably warm and dry conditions over the coming days, with light winds and relative humidity expected to drop into the upper teens — typical for late September across the high desert of Central Oregon. While active fire behavior is not anticipated within existing perimeters, fire crews remain on standby and available to respond to new ignitions.
The affected fire area is currently open to public travel. Hunters, hikers, and other recreationists venturing into recently burned areas are urged to exercise caution and watch for:
- Hazard trees that may fall without warning
- Loose rocks and logs on or near trails and roads
- Debris and berm material in roadways
Recovery Resource Event: September 26 in Prineville
Crook County, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other local, state, and federal agencies and community organizations, will host a Wildfire Recovery Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) event on Saturday, September 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Crook County High School Gymnasium in Prineville.
The event is designed to connect wildfire-affected residents with information, direct assistance, and resources from multiple agencies under one roof. Jefferson County residents impacted by fires this season are welcome and encouraged to attend.