Incident contact information:
Larchcreekfireinfo@gmail.com
541-316-8289
Dufur, Ore. – Updated mapping now shows the Larch Creek Fire at 18,387 acres. This increase in acreage is not new fire growth. New technology used today through the interagency FireGuard Program allowed a more accurate picture of the fire footprint, particularly east of Highway 197 and north of 216.
On the ground, containment increased. Crews continued to reinforce and mop up line around the perimeter, and scouted new dozer line on the southwest portion of the fire while air resources aided with water drops. Efforts remain focused on completing line across the Tygh Creek drainage and nearby canyons. Four task forces provided tactical patrols and mop up where needed around structures along Shadybrook Road.
Firefighters are preparing for a potentially challenging day tomorrow. A red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions will go into effect at 11 am on the east side of the fire. Winds are anticipated to increase, gusting up to 24 miles per hour. Relative humidities will be very low, continuing to dry out fuels.
Under these conditions, any ignitions could spread rapidly. Precautions should be taken to prevent the start of new fires. The public is also reminded that drones are not permitted to fly in the fire’s airspace. Doing so can cause grounding of all aircraft, hampering effective fire response.
Fire restrictions are now in effect on the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest. For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire
Evacuations remain in effect and levels did not change today. Evacuation information is available at: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
Evacuation shelters: Two shelters are available at South Wasco County High School (699 4th St in Maupin) and Wy’East Middle School (3000 Wy’East Rd, Hood River). Residents evacuating from Pine Hollow, Wamic, and Sportsman’s Park should travel to the west and use the shelter at Wy’East Middle School. The livestock shelter is located adjacent to the Wy’East Middle School at the Hood River Fairgrounds (3020 Wy’East Rd, Hood River).
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 18,387 acres
Containment: 8%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $7,100,000
Total Personnel: 944
Hand Crews: 27
Engines: 66
Water Tenders: 18
Dozers: 13
Helicopters: 10
Evacuations:
Level 3 GO NOW – 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- 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