Incident contact information:
Larchcreekfireinfo@gmail.com
541-316-8289
Dufur, Ore. – Although firefighters are mopping up around much of the fire, they are still working to hold the line on the southwest perimeter around the Tygh Creek, on the Southwestern edge, due to heavier fuels and hot spots. Several spot fires ignited outside the containment line but were quickly addressed and extinguished.
Structural task forces are being demobilized from the Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16. Crews will continue patrolling around structures that remain in areas under evacuation.
Around the rest of the fire, firefighters worked to further secure the perimeter and expand mop-up activities today.
Night shift efforts are focused on improving and strengthening fire lines across the fire perimeter.
The National Weather Service has placed a Fire Weather Watch across much of Central Oregon, including the fire area in Wasco County. The likelihood of thunderstorms beginning Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning has increased. The storm system may bring increased winds and lightning strikes with little precipitation but is expected to move through the area quickly. Gusty outflow winds from the storm may impact the fire area.
Fire personnel remain diligent and ask the community to continue taking precautions and prevent wildfire starts. Fire restrictions are in effect for ODF and USFS jurisdictions.
Evacuation levels decreased in some areas today, but Level 3 evacuations remain in place on the west side of the fire due to an abundance of caution for communities’ safety. Levels will be reevaluated tomorrow morning. Evacuation information is available at: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
Evacuation shelters: One shelter is available at Wy’East Middle School (3000 Wy’East Rd, Hood River). 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: 18,684 acres
Containment: 14%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $10,100,000
Total Personnel: 964
Hand Crews: 27
Engines: 67
Water Tenders: 18
Dozers: 13
Helicopters: 10
Evacuations:
LEVEL 3 – GO NOW: Wamic & Pine Hollow from Friend Rd. in the north down to Rock Creek Dam Rd./Wamic Market Rd. in the south. Threemile Rd. & Happy Ridge Rd. in the west and the intersection of Shadybrook Rd. and Hwy 197 in the southeast.
LEVEL 2 – BE SET: From Hulse Rd. in the north, to the White River in the south, east to the Deschutes River and west to Hwy 197. From the west side of the City of Tygh Valley to the intersection of Wamic Market Rd. and Fairgrounds Rd., north to the intersection of Fairgrounds Rd. and Shadybrook Rd., east to Hwy 197 and the Deschutes River, from Hwy 197 in the north to the White River in the south. From the intersection of Rock Creek Dam Rd. and Threemile Rd. north to Dodson Rd., west to Gate Creek, south to the White River, and east to the boundary of the city of Tygh Valley.
LEVEL 1 – BE READY: From 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. 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