
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued a State of Emergency in response to the Rowena Fire in Wasco County. The wildfire, which began on June 11, 2025, has resulted in extensive property damage, community evacuations, and the need for mass care and medical services. Fighting the blaze has required both state conflagration and federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations. According to a press release from Governor Kotek's office, significant damage includes "major damage to homes and businesses resulting in significant debris and infrastructure damage."
Wasco County officials are grappling with the wildfire's destruction as it continues to pose a threat to life and safety. They declared their own State of Emergency on June 18 after local resources were pushed to the brink. The County's Commission Order 25-048 clearly stated that "local resources were exhausted and immediate state and federal assistance was requested." Despite the ongoing efforts, the fire has already taken a severe toll on the community's homes and other structures.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is now in full response mode. Following the governor's directive, OEM will be coordinating statewide efforts under the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. This includes utilizing personnel and equipment from across state agencies to alleviate and mitigate the effects of the fire. The whole strategy is aimed at an effective response and recovery from the emergency conditions.
To keep the public informed, the state has pointed residents to the Rowena Fire 2025 Facebook page for updates. The social media platform provides current information on the wildfire, ensuring people have access to timely and accurate data. Meanwhile, impacted individuals are looking towards state and federal assistance for relief. An Executive Order 25-08 has also been issued, which is available online for those searching for more details on the state of emergency and the response efforts.