Update 10:22 a.m.
Dufur, Ore. – Throughout the evening winds subsided and the Larch Creek Fire growth slowed. Dozers working through the night made good progress putting in control line and engines patrolled near homes in the fire area.
Today structure task forces will continue to mop up and secure around homes in the fire area. Firefighters will be putting in hose lays and working with engines and water tenders to strengthen control lines. Dozers and crews will work on establishing line around the fire footprint on the east side of highway 197. Air resources continue to be available and will engage as needed throughout the day.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Team 2 will shadow the Central Oregon IMT today. This evening at 6:00pm ODF Team 2 and OSFM Green Team will officially transition into unified command. A huge Thank You to the Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency IMT for their coordination and efforts on this quick emerging incident.
The weather today is expected temperatures in the low 90’s with afternoon winds that should moderate into the evening. The next few days we should see temperatures continuing to decrease and less substantial winds in the fire area, a very welcome forecast for our firefighters. Yesterday there was one firefighter with heat related injuries who was transported to a local hospital.
Stay informed on updated evacuation alerts here: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
A Red Cross shelter is open at Maupin High School for all community members effected by the current evacuations.
Sherman County Fairgrounds is open for evacuation of livestock and pets. Hood River Fairgrounds is also open to displaced animals. Hwy 197 is being closely monitored and may be closed or have traffic control, check Trip Check for updates. Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck – Oregon Traveler Information
Be aware of the extreme fire danger we are currently experiencing! Know Before You Go and check for Fire Restrictions in your area.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 10,686 acres (acreage is from overnight IR)
Containment: 0%
Cause: human caused
Resources:
Overhead 144
Engines 23
Handcrews 9
Water Tenders 4
Dozers 5
EVACUATION UPDATES as of 7:30 PM – July 10, 2024
Level 3 GO NOW – From Friend Rd, East to Elliott Rd and Hwy 197, South to Badger Creek Rd and Fairgrounds Rd, West to Mc Corkle Grade Rd, city of Tygh Valley. Hwy 197, east to the Deschutes River, north to Hulse Rd and south to Fred Ashley Rd.
LEVEL 2 GET SET- White River, East to the Deschutes River, South to Oak Springs Rd./Juniper Flat Rd. In Pine Hollow & Wamic from Badger Creek Rd/Fairgrounds Rd, South to Rock Creek Dam Rd/Wamic Market Rd, West to Threemile Rd, East to Hwy 197.
LEVEL 1 GET READY – Wamic Market Rd/Rock Creek Dam Rd., South to the White River, West to Campbell Ln. From Hwy 197, east to the Deschutes River, south to Hulse Rd. From Elliott Rd, East to Kinglsey Rd./Dufur Gap Rd., North to Friend Rd. and South to Level 3 border.
Morning update for 6:45 a.m.
Dufur, Ore. – With a Red Flag warning across the fire area yesterday the high winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity moved the Larch Creek Fire across Highway 197 and continued its fast-moving growth to the east Wednesday evening. The Wasco County Sheriffs Office and the Incident Commanders of the Unified Command, Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Green Team worked together to quickly elevate the evacuation levels.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Team 2 has been ordered and will be arriving this morning. They will be in unified command with OSFM Green Team starting tomorrow evening.
Air resources, structure task forces, dozers, engines and handcrews worked tirelessly throughout the day. Resources will remain engaged throughout the night, protecting structures and building fireline.
Stay informed on updated evacuation alerts here: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
A Red Cross shelter is open at Maupin High School for all community members effected by the current evacuations.
Sherman County Fairgrounds is open for evacuation of livestock and pets. Hood River Fairgrounds is also open to displaced animals. Hwy 197 is being closely monitored and may be closed or have traffic control, check Trip Check for updates. Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck – Oregon Traveler Information
Local fire danger levels are “extreme”, everyone is strongly encouraged to realize the current danger of how quickly a fire can start; it only takes one spark. Please do your part, do not park or drive on dry grass, know the current fire restrictions and prepare yourself with a shovel, water and fire extinguisher when outdoors.