Dufur, Ore. – With a Red Flag warning across the fire area today 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. The Wasco County Sheriffs Office and the Incident Commanders of the Unified Command, Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency IMT 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 tomorrow 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!
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 9,135 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: human caused
Total Personnel: 375
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- **NEW** 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 -**NEW** 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.
Unified Command:
IC Cason McCain–Central OR T3 IMT and IC Lance Lighty – OSFM Green Team