Highway 26 Closed Due to Rowe Creek Complex Wildfire, Delays Expected
Highway 26 is currently closed between Prineville and Mitchell due to the Rowe Creek Complex wildfire. The Oregon Department of Transportation anticipates the closure will last at least another 24-36 hours.
Portland, OR, August 6, 2026 —
Highway 26 has been closed in both directions between Prineville and Mitchell as a result of the ongoing Rowe Creek Complex wildfire. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has issued the closure, which is in effect until further notice.
The closure is impacting travel along a significant stretch of Highway 26, a key route connecting communities in central Oregon. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and to expect substantial delays. The exact duration of the closure is not yet known, but ODOT officials anticipate that the highway will remain impassable for at least another 24 to 36 hours.
The Rowe Creek Complex wildfire is the cause of the highway shutdown. Specific details regarding the fire’s size, containment status, or the extent of its proximity to the highway were not immediately available. Information regarding the cause of the fire was also not provided.
ODOT is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the status of the wildfire and the reopening of Highway 26. Travelers are encouraged to check ODOT’s TripCheck website or contact local authorities for the latest traffic advisories and detour information.
The contractor responsible for any potential cleanup or assessment once the fire is managed was not identified in the available information. Similarly, no inspection outcomes or specific code violations related to the incident have been reported.
Story summarized from the original created by FOX 12 Staff on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
