Rowena (OR) wildfire: Residents may return home, but should stay vigilant

[alp227]

Source: The Oregonian

After crews made good progress overnight building containment lines and putting out hot spots from the Rowena wildfire, authorities on Saturday said all residents may return home.

About 143 homes had been under a Level 3 "go" evacuation order. With the fire threat diminishing, authorities have put them on Level 1 "get ready" status.

Another 600 homes in the area along U.S. 30 are also on Level 1 alert.

The wildfire near The Dalles, which has destroyed one home and damaged two others since its start on Tuesday, has grown overnight to about 3,565 acres, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. But crews have now contained about 55 percent of the fire, up from 35 percent Friday, and removed much of the unburned fuel on the slopes above the residential communities.

Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/wildfires/index.ssf/2014/08/rowena_wildfire_residents_may.html

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On Friday, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry called this fire "top firefighting priority in the nation."

[passiveporcupine]

1. I've been watching this

I live about six miles from this fire, as the crow flies, with nothing but forest between us. Fortunately I'm south and the winds are prevailing North/Northwest. It's been a serious fire due to the Gorge winds and hot dry weather.

We are still in moderate drought conditions. Southern Oregon is in extreme drought conditions. It could be worse here. And the wind is blowing the smoke away from me too, which is really good. Last year I had cinders falling in my yard from a fire southeast of me. That was too scary.

[love_katz]

2. Glad to hear that the fire is at least somewhat contained.

Wishing you and yours to be safe, Passiveporcupine.

I love the Gorge. I hope this fire is put out ASAP.

[davidpdx]

3. Wow, I just drove through that area a few times a week and a half ago

going from Portland out toward Eastern Oregon and back.