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

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized federal funds yesterday to assist with firefighting costs for the Rowe Creek Complex - West Zone Fire in Crook and Jefferson counties. The decision allows the federal government to pay 75% of eligible expenses for the blaze, which is currently threatening local homes and infrastructure.

Vincent J. Maykovich, the FEMA Region 10 acting regional administrator, determined the wildfire threatened to cause enough destruction to constitute a major disaster. The grant was approved Friday at 5:49 p.m. PT, marking the fifth time in 2026 that Oregon has received such a federal declaration. The funding follows an initial denial earlier in the week that prompted state and federal representatives to search for answers.

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 within the two counties were also identified as being under threat.

State firefighting costs can increase rapidly during major incidents. At the height of the Akawa Butte fire, expenses reached over $1 million per day. While FEMA approved a grant for that fire, the agency initially denied the request for the Creek Complex. This inconsistency led local representatives to seek answers regarding the federal response.

Rep. Emerson Levy, a Democrat, expressed relief following the reversal of the initial denial. Levy had been among the officials advocating for federal support for the affected region.

“I'm so glad to see this funding approved,” Levy said. “Creek deserved this support from the start and I'm glad FEMA came to the right decision. I'll keep advocating for all of Oregon, because every community affected by these fires deserves the same help and the same urgency.”

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden noted that he and Sen. Jeff Merkley pressured the agency to unlock the resources for Crook and Jefferson counties. Wyden described the initial denial as an inexplicable decision.

“I'm gratified the spotlight Sen. Merkley and I put on this indefensible and inexplicable decision by FEMA under Donald Trump has unlocked resources that Crook and Jefferson counties should have had from the get-go for the Creek fire,” Wyden said. “But Wasco and Wheeler counties deserve the same federal aid and I will never stop advocating for Oregon to get its fair share of help from the federal government to battle wildfires or for any other challenge facing our state.”

According to FEMA, a fire must threaten lives, property, critical infrastructure or watersheds to receive grant status. Other factors include the availability of local firefighting resources and the potential for major economic impact. Eligible expenses for reimbursement include field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization activities.

FEMA officials noted that these grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners. The funding also does not cover non-firefighting infrastructure damage caused by the flames. Local officials reached out to the agency to understand why the status was changed from the denial issued earlier in the week.

Inquiries were also sent to Republicans Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson and Rep. Cliff Bentz regarding the funding approval. Both representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.