DUFUR, Ore. – Initial attack crews worked through the night putting in dozer line and burnouts along the east and west flanks from the north down to the unsecured south. The Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Fire Management Team as well as the Green Incident Management Team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal are in place at the Dufur High School.
Today, resources from state, local, and federal agencies will work on transitioning night shift crews to day shift while slowing progression towards Highway 197 and nearby Shadybrook community to the south. Some spot fires have been identified in the southern Oak Creek area. Air attack remains a primary resource for day operations. The fire is burning mostly in open grass fuel types.
The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Tuesday night around 8:00 PM, which allows the State Fire Marshal to mobilize structural fire resources to protect life and property. Many arrived this morning to assist with structure protection. Three task forces from Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties arrived this morning at 7 am and three additional task forces are arriving later this afternoon.
Unified Incident Commanders Cason McCain and Lance Lighty, among other officials gave gratitude to the crews on initial attack, as well as local landowners who worked in extreme conditions to set the day shift crews up for success. Red flag warnings remain in place throughout Wednesday from 2-11 pm.
Local fire danger levels are now set to “extreme” with expected wind. Stay informed on updated evacuation alerts here: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
A Red Cross shelter is open at Maupin High School for anyone evacuated.
The Larch Creek Fire is located 5 miles southwest of Dufur, OR and was first reported on Tue, July 9, just after 2 p.m. The cause was human activity and is under investigation.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 7,100 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under investigation, human caused
Estimated Cost: TBD
Evacuations:
Level 3 GO NOW – Remains in place for residences from Friend Rd, East to Elliott Rd and Hwy 197, South to Badger Creek Rd, West to Mc Corkle Grade Rd.
Level 2 GET SET – Remains from Fairgrounds Rd, East to Hwy 197, North to Shadybrook Rd, South to Fairgrounds Rd. Areas east of Hwy 197, east to the Deschutes River, north to Hulse Rd and south to Hwy 216
Level 1 GET READY – Remains from Badger Creek Rd/Fairgrounds Rd, South to Rock Creek Dam Rd/Wamic Market Rd, West to Threemile Rd, East to Hwy 197. **NEW AREA** Elliott Rd, East to Kingsley Rd./Dufur Gap Rd., North to Friend Rd. and South to Level 3 border.
Unified Command:
Cason McCain & Lance Lighty Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency IMT