Recovering from the Rowena Fires

In June 2025, the Rowena Fire tore through the Columbia River Gorge, scorching over 3,800 acres and destroying more than 50 homes in just a few days.

Fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, the fire forced thousands of residents to evacuate, many with little more than the clothes on their backs.

While the devastation was widespread, the impact on immigrant workers in the Columbia Gorge—particularly those in agriculture, food processing, and hospitality—has been especially profound.

A Community Already on the Margins

The Columbia Gorge is home to a large population of Latino/a/e immigrants who have long formed the backbone of the region’s economy. Many work in vineyards, orchards, and packing houses, jobs that are physically demanding, seasonal, and often underpaid. These workers are also more likely to live in older, uninsured housing and face language barriers that make accessing emergency services and disaster relief more difficult.

When the Rowena Fire hit, many immigrant families were left without shelter, transportation, or access to critical information. Some were hesitant to seek help due to fears around immigration status or previous negative experiences with government agencies.

The Hidden Cost of Documentation Loss

For immigrant workers, the loss of a home often means more than just physical displacement. It can also mean the loss of essential documents that are difficult and costly to replace, including work permits, IDs, Social Security cards, and immigration paperwork. Without documentation, individuals risk losing their jobs, missing legal deadlines, or facing complications with immigration proceedings.

Community Response and the Role of Trust

ICS joined a resource fair led by local nonprofits and mutual aid groups to quickly mobilize access to food, toiletries, temporary shelter, and legal support. Bilingual volunteers played a critical role in bridging communication gaps and ensuring that immigrant families could access the help they needed.

Organizations like ICS are working to provide legal support to those who lost documentation in the fire, helping them navigate the complex process of replacement and ensuring their rights are protected during recovery.

As the smoke clears and recovery begins, one thing is clear: the strength of our communities lies in how we care for the most vulnerable among us.