Incident contact information:
Larchcreekfireinfo@gmail.com
541-316-8289
Dufur, Ore. โ Crews took advantage of calmer winds and additional resources today to make progress on the Larch Creek Fire. Air resources supported crews on the ground with helicopters, single engine air tankers, and scoopers. On the north side, firefighters reinforced line, and efforts on the east side allowed Highway 216 to reopen. Challenges remained on the southwest portion of the fire, where crews are working to build line across steep terrain and canyons.
Tomorrow, firefighters will prioritize building and strengthening line in the southwest area, and engage in direct attack where possible. Structural task forces will continue tactical patrols. Cooler temperatures, particularly overnight, should aid these efforts. Crews will seek to gain as much ground as possible before an anticipated weather shift could bring an increase in gusty winds. Additional resources continue to arrive and fire camp has expanded at the Tygh Valley Rodeo Grounds.
Fire managers on the Larch Creek Fire will host a public meeting tomorrow at 7:00 pm at South County High School in Maupin. This will offer community members the opportunity to hear more about fire conditions and planned operations. Spanish language interpretation will be available. This meeting is in-person with no virtual option.
The Wasco County Sherriffโs office expanded Level 2 BE SET evacuation levels in some areas today as a precaution. To keep up to date on evacuation levels, visit: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
Evacuation shelters:
- Two shelters are available: the Red Cross shelter at South Wasco County High School (699 4th St in Maupin) and a second shelter at Wy’East Middle School (3000 Wy’East Rd, Hood River). Residents evacuating from Pine Hollow, Wamic, and Sportsmanโs Park should travel to the west and use the shelter at WyโEast Middle School.
- The livestock shelter is located adjacent to the WyโEast Middle School at the Hood River Fairgrounds (3020 Wy’East Rd, Hood River).
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 13,816 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $6,200,000
Total Personnel: 787
Hand Crews: 23
Engines: 61
Water Tenders: 16
Dozers: 12
Helicopters: 6
Evacuations:
Level 3 GO NOW โ Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation from Friend Rd in the north down to Rock Creek Dam Rd/Wamic Market Rd. in the south. Tygh Valley Rd. and the White River in the south to Hulse Rd. in the north. Threemile Rd from the west to the Deschutes River on the east.
Level 2 GET SET- **NEW EXPANDED AREA** from the intersection of Rock Creek Dam Rd. and Threemile Rd. north to Dodson Rd., west to Gate Creek, south to the White River, east to the boundary of the city of Tygh Valley south to Val Miller Rd./Juniper Flat Rd./Oak Springs Rd., and east to the Deschutes River. From the intersection of Tygh Valley Market Rd and Hwy 197 south to Hulse Rd, east to the Deschutes River, and from the intersection of Hwy 197 and Tygh Valley Market Rd, southeast to the Deschutes River.
Level 1 GET READY – from Elliott Rd. east to Hwy 197, south to the intersection of Hwy 197 and Dufur Gap Rd., and due west to Elliott Rd.
Unified Command:
Lance Lighty and Matt Howard