Rep. Helfrich: Thanks first responders for quick response to Rowena fire

By State Representative Jeff Helfrich
June 12th, 2025

Today, Representative Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) issued the following statement in response to the swift action of first responders and state government to a wildfire outbreak in the Columbia River Gorge:

“I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the brave men and women fighting the Rowena Fire near The Dalles. When the call came in yesterday afternoon, our firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency personnel didn’t hesitate – they stepped up and got to work. Their swift actions and professionalism have minimized the damage we could have seen in the first 24hrs. of this disaster.

“I also want to thank the Governor, the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Forestry Department, and the Red Cross for providing a swift statewide response to this emergency. The ability to mobilize resources from across Oregon to help our communities is critical, and I will continue to work to bring all the resources our state has to bear to those affected by the fire.

“District 52 has already lost more than 2,500 acres, and around 20 structures, in this fire. My thoughts are with those who have had to evacuate and who have lost everything. I find comfort however in knowing Oregonians, and particularly those of us who live in the Gorge take care of our own. We will make sure the communities of Rowena, The Dalles and the entire Columbia Gorge have what they need to get through this. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for the safety of our firefighters, and all those on the ground, as well as for the swift recovery of our communities and the families affected.”