Incident contact information:
Larchcreekfireinfo@gmail.com
541-316-8289
Dufur, Ore. – Scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds impacted Southeast Wasco County and other parts of the state early this morning and only minimally impacted the Larch Creek Fire area. Night crews improved containment and mop-up activities continue to expand. Fire personnel remain on stand-by to monitor for any starts caused by lightning strikes.
Crews are focused on extinguishing hot spots that may arise from burning root systems as well as monitoring for smoldering snags and spot fires in unburned fuels, both outside of and within the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters are building off the excellent work OSFM did to protect structures, expanding mop-up into the woodlands on the southwest segment of the fire.
The Red Flag Warning for the area ended at 9 a.m. this morning, July 17. The Heat Advisory for Wasco County and surrounding areas will remain until this evening around 10 p.m. High temperatures up to 100 degrees are expected.
Fire crews are still in the area and on local roadways. We ask the community to please give them space and patience as they continue to work on the incident.
Wasco County Sheriff’s Office lowered evacuation levels in some areas yesterday evening, July 16. They will reassess evacuation levels this evening.
Recreation on Pine Hollow Reservoir will be fully open at noon today (7/17). For more evacuation information and resources for returning home, please continue to check with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Evacuation details are available at: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 18,690 acres
Containment: 27%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $11,500,000
Total Personnel: 806
Hand Crews: 23
Engines: 41
Water Tenders: 14
Dozers: 9
Helicopters: 12
Incident Command:
Matt Howard, Incident Commander Craig Pettinger, Deputy Incident Commander