By Shane Wolfe, President, Village of Rowena, Inc. | June 12, 2026 | Rowena, Oregon
Good Morning Everyone,
Yesterday marked one year since the Rowena Fire changed our community forever.
In a matter of hours, homes, memories, vehicles, businesses, and generations of hard work were lost. For many of us, life has not been the same since June 11, 2025.
Over this past year, we have experienced heartbreak, frustration, uncertainty, and setbacks. But we have also witnessed something remarkable. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers showing up from across the country, organizations stepping forward to assist, and a community refusing to give up.
Together, we have cleared hazard trees, secured resources, formed new partnerships, supported one another through difficult days, and laid the foundation for recovery. While the road has often felt long, every step forward has been because of the strength, determination, and resilience of the people of Rowena.
As we enter our second year of Rowena Fire recovery, our focus shifts toward rebuilding and bringing families home. There is still much work to do, but there is also hope. Every permit issued, every foundation poured, every utility restored, and every home rebuilt brings us one step closer to restoring our community.
To everyone who has supported Rowena—our residents, volunteers, agencies, nonprofit partners, donors, firefighters, elected officials, and friends—thank you. Your kindness and commitment have made a difference.
We remember what was lost, we honor how far we’ve come, and we look forward to the day when every family who wants to return home has that opportunity.
Rowena is still here. Rowena is rebuilding. And Rowena’s best days are still ahead.
As we move into this next phase, we welcome continued partnership and collaboration. If your organization, agency, business, volunteer group, or network is interested in supporting rebuilding and long-term recovery efforts in Rowena, Oregon, please reach out. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss ways we can work together to help our community move forward and bring more families home.
Thank you again for standing with Rowena throughout this journey. We look forward to continuing this work together.
Sincerely,
Shane Wolfe
President, Village of Rowena, Inc.
Learn more about ORVOAD (Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and how you can support wildfire recovery efforts in Oregon.
Village of Rowena, Inc. • Rowena, Oregon • contact@rowenavillage.org