Rowena Fire

Rowena Fire Destroys at Least 56 Homes, Burns More Than 3,600 Acres

The Rowena Fire ignited on June 11th, 2025, near The Dalles in Wasco County, Oregon. The blaze, which has burned over 3,636 acres, led to Level 3 evacuation orders for a 4-mile radius around the fire, affecting thousands of nearby residents. The fire has reportedly destroyed at least 56 homes and 91 other structures, including barns and sheds. 

Over 700 personnel—including 15 hand crews, 44 engines, and 10 helicopters—are working tirelessly to contain the fire after it ignited just before 1:30 p.m. on the 11th. Fueled by 30 mph winds and dry brush, the blaze quickly intensified, making containment efforts especially challenging. The Oregon Department of Forestry is actively investigating the cause of the fire, though we suspect a Union Pacific Railroad may have played a direct role in sparking the fire.

Singleton Schreiber files A Complaint on the Rowena Fire

Concerns Mount Over Railroads and Wildfire Risks

Fire officials believe the Rowena Fire is human-caused, with reports suggesting a Union Pacific train may have been involved, as eyewitnesses observed a train passing through the area moments before ignition. 

If confirmed, the Rowena Fire would be part of a growing and deeply troubling pattern of train-caused wildfires across the Pacific Northwest. Just last year, Singleton Schreiber filed a lawsuit in Washington against Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) for its negligent role in the Tunnel 5 Fire. The fire similarly destroyed homes, displaced hundreds, and required a massive emergency response.

The Rowena Fire shares several alarming similarities:

• A fast-moving fire igniting near active railway tracks
• High-risk fire weather conditions
• Proximity to dry vegetation with no apparent vegetation control
• Eyewitness accounts of train activity immediately before ignition

These parallels suggest a pattern of preventable disasters that have ravaged communities and their residents, and railroad companies must be held accountable.

Rowena Fire Resources

Rowena Fire Map

Oregon Smoke Information

After the Fire Oregon

Help After a Wildfire

FEMA Individual Assistance & Disaster Resources

ACCESS Center for Community Resilience

Find a Rowena Fire Lawyer

With the largest fire litigation practice in the country, Singleton Schreiber has represented over 30,000 wildfire victims and recovered more than $3 billion for clients nationwide. Our attorneys are committed to holding negligent corporations accountable and helping victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one experienced an evacuation, property loss, smoke or ash damage, injury, hospitalization, or psychological trauma due to the Rowena Fire, you may be eligible for compensation. Even if you have insurance, we can help you pursue fair and full recovery for your losses. You can call us to discuss your case at (541) 203-9105.

If You Have Experienced Any of the Following, You May Be Eligible for Rowena Fire Compensation:

• Expensive Evacuation
• Wrongful Death from Fire or Smoke
• Hospitalization
• Serious Burns
• Other Serious Personal Injury
• Long-Term Health Effects
• Psychological Impact
• Home Loss
• Structure Loss
• Damage to Animals/Pets
• Damage to Timber/Trees
• Erosion
• Vegetation Loss
• Damage to Landscaping
• Significant Property Damage
• Economic Loss
• Agriculture Loss
• Damage to Infrastructure
• Business Loss
• Business Interruption
• Smoke Damage
• Damage from Soot & Ash
• Underinsured Property
• FEMA Assistance
• Utility & Other Service Interruptions
• Housing Market Impacts

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Rowena Fire start?

The wildfire ignited near the Rowena area, approximately three miles northwest of The Dalles, Oregon, along the Interstate 84 corridor in Wasco County.

What caused the Rowena Fire?

The Rowena Fire is confirmed to be human-caused, with ongoing investigation into the potential involvement of a Union Pacific train. Eyewitness accounts and the fire's proximity to active rail lines have raised concerns about corporate negligence, but the official cause remains under review.

What legal options exist for Rowena Fire victims?

If Union Pacific or another party is found responsible, victims may pursue compensation for evacuation costs, emotional distress, property loss, business interruption, and more. Singleton Schreiber specializes in wildfire litigation and corporate negligence and can guide victims through the claims process.

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