A wildfire burning in the Columbia Gorge near The Dalles is the top firefighting priority in the nation today, according to an Oregon Department of Forestry spokesperson. That means the Rowena fire threatens valuable resources, including homes and the Gorge National Scenic Area.

The Rowena fire has consumed about 3300 acres and destroyed one mobile home and a barn. Several other structures have been damaged.

Governor John Kitzhaber received a briefing at The Dalles Firehouse today. He urged people to be careful.

“Citizens should really take this very seriously. This is a very explosive fire season and we’re having enough trouble with lightning caused fires and so people should really be very very intentional about using good fire safety practices when they’re recreating or using power tools,” Kitzhaber said.

The cause of the Rowena fire is under investigation, and local officials say it was likely human caused. The fire is threatening hundreds of homes, and is 35 percent contained.

11:00 a.m. update on the Rowena Fire

News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry

Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal

Incident Management Green Team

John Ingrao, Incident Commander

Summary

Both crews from Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal worked throughout the night improving containment lines. Burnout operations were successful on the west flank of the fire. Containment improved from zero to 35 percent overnight.

More than 100 people attended Thursday night’s public meeting at The Dalles High School. Questions centered around the evacuations, when residents will be able to return to their homes, and containment efforts. Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal Incident Commanders provided a current status of the fire and plans for its containment. Representatives of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Wasco County Sherriff’s Office also spoke.

Structural protection

The fire is wind driven to the east with fire spread south and east of Rowena. Structure protection by six taskforces will continue throughout the day to improve defensible space around homes and outbuildings.

When the Foley Lakes and Country Club fires flared up, task forces assigned to night shift were activated to respond. Firefighting efforts will again be centered on this area today to protect homes and create defensible space.

Evacuations

A total of 740 residences are threatened at this time.

Residences impacted include: 143 Level 3, and 597 Level 1.

Level-3: 4595 Hwy 30 west to 6464 Hwy 30, including Simonelli Rd, Tooley Terrace, Adeline Way and the Country Club.

Level-1: Murray’s Addition, Foley Lakes, residences along Chenowith Loop West. Also Division Street Development residences along Seven mile Road.

An evacuation shelter has been set up by the Red Cross at Dry Hollow Elementary School located at 1314 E 19th, The Dalles, OR.

Fire Strategy for Today

Today, fire control work will focus on holding all constructed fire lines, continuing burnout operations and conducting an infrared flight tonight over the fire.

Warnings

High winds continue with a Red Flag Warning in effect through 12:00 pm Friday. Wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour are expected.

Unified Command

The fire is being managed under a unified command between the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and Oregon Department of Forestry. This Unified Command is working for ODF Central Oregon District, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mid Columbia Fire & Rescue.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.