FEMA approves federal funds for Oregon’s Rowe Creek Complex – West Zone fire

The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized federal funds on Friday, to assist with firefighting costs for the Rowe Creek Complex - West Zone Fire burning in Crook and Jefferson counties in Oregon

Vincent J. Maykovich, FEMA Region 10 acting regional administrator, determined the fire threatened to cause enough destruction to constitute a major disaster.

The approval for the Fire Management Assistance Grant occurred July 31, at 5:49 p.m. PT. This marks the fifth time in 2026 that Oregon has received a federal declaration to help combat wildfires.

At the time of the request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Prineville and Grizzly. The flames also posed a risk to the State Highway 26 corridor, electrical infrastructure, recreational facilities and private communication infrastructure. Natural resources in the two counties were also identified as being under threat.

The grant makes funding available to pay for up to 75% of Oregon's eligible firefighting costs. These funds are provided through the Fire Management Assistance Grant program, which is designed for fires that threaten to become major disasters.

Eligible expenses under the grant can include costs for field camps, equipment use, materials and supplies. Mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the Rowe Creek Complex - West Zone Fire are also eligible for reimbursement.

FEMA officials noted that these grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners. The funding also does not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.