Crews working the massive Rowe Creek Complex in north-central Oregon are making steady progress on post-fire repair operations as the 2026 fire season begins its gradual close in the region. As of September 20, the complex — which burned nearly 374,000 acres in Crook and Jefferson counties — remains at 99% containment with repair work advancing northward and eastward across the landscape.

Ongoing Repair Operations

According to the Central Oregon Fire Information program, crews are focused on rehabilitating suppression lines created during firefighting operations. Key tasks include falling hazard trees near roadways, dispersing soil berms constructed by dozers, and scattering vegetation and debris across control lines to promote natural revegetation.

In the Mill Creek area of the complex, repair work is near completion, with crews transitioning to new assignments in the northern and eastern sections. The Crosswhite Fire, incorporated into the Rowe Creek Complex, is seeing similar repair activity as firefighters remove evidence of suppression infrastructure that could impede post-fire recovery.

Public Land Access Restored

Closures on public lands across all Rowe Creek Complex incidents were lifted September 12, marking a significant milestone for ranchers and recreationists who had been excluded from vast portions of the Ochoco and Malheur national forests. Some specific roadways within fire areas remain closed pending safety assessments of burned timber.

Other Oregon Incidents Reach Full Containment

The 2026 Oregon fire season saw several major complexes ultimately reach full containment in September:

  • Hay Creek Complex — 100% contained as of mid-September
  • Akawa Butte Fire — 100% contained
  • Big Grass Fire (Jordan Valley area) — fully contained September 13
  • Flint Fire (Owyhee County, ID) — fully contained September 13
  • Coyote Fire — 99% contained as of September 15

On the Mt. Hood National Forest, The Narrows fire near Estacada stands at 305 acres and 98% containment, with minimal fire activity remaining.

Season Cost Climbing

The Oregon Department of Forestry has estimated the full 2026 fire season could cost approximately $350 million in gross expenses. The agency had already reached $236 million in costs by mid-September and is seeking an additional $250 million in spending authority from the state legislature to continue operations and fund recovery work.

Residents in fire-affected areas are encouraged to contact their county emergency management offices for information on access restoration timelines and post-fire recovery resources.