Containment grows to 43% on nearly 19,000-acre Larch Creek Fire in Wasco County as crews build buffer around perimeter

(Update: Thursday morning report)

DUFUR, Ore. (KTVZ) – Firefighters have brought the nearly 19,000-acre Larch Creek Fire in Wasco County to 43% containment, officials said Thursday as crews work around the clock, looking for hot spots and strengthening the lines.

Here's the Thursday morning update on the fire:

(For the latest information, visit the fire's Facebook page):

Night crews strengthen buffer around fire’s perimeter

Dufur, Ore. – The containment on Larch Creek Fire’s perimeter is increasing as crews worked to grid the area last night, searching for any heat emerging around the fire’s edge. Fire crews are working around the clock to address hot spots. Last night, crews observed juniper tree torching, or the ignition of trees from bottom to top inside the perimeter.

The weather forecast promises challenging conditions for firefighters today and throughout the coming week. Although temperatures will be in the lower 90s today, there is increased optimism to further increase containment before the coming weekend brings more unseasonable critical fire weather.

Mop-up activities are in full swing. Unburned islands within the fire’s footprint will be monitored for burning snags and fire personnel are creating plans to address suppression repair.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office lowered some evacuation levels yesterday evening, July 17. There are no longer any Level 3 “go now” evacuation orders.

Pine Hollow Reservoir has reopened to recreation. Evacuation levels will be reviewed again today, July 18. Please continue to check with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office for updates.Evacuation details are available at: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Estimated Size: 18,432 acres

Containment: 43%

Cause: Human Caused

Estimated Cost: $13,540,000

Total Personnel: 802

Hand Crews: 23

Engines: 39

Water Tenders: 14

Dozers: 9

Helicopters: 10

Incident Command:

Matt Howard, Incident Commander
Craig Pettinger, Deputy Incident Commander

Initial info:

Shortly after the fire was reported last Tuesday, the Waco County Sheriff’s Office asked people to stay away from the Larch Creek Fire on Winslow Road. A Red Cross Evacuation Shelter was opened at Maupin High School. The Wasco County Fairgrounds was designated a temporary evacuation point for livestock.

Watch Duty indicated the fire had grown to about 7,000 acres by late Tuesday night.

ODOT said Wednesday that Highway 197 will be closed at times due to the windfire activity between Maupin and Dufur, milepost 22 to 33.

"Expect long delays or use an alternate route," an advisory said, warning that "the highway could fully close at any time, depending on fire activity. Crews are flagging traffic for fire crews and planes working close to the highway."

Check the latest conditions at our ODOT TripCheck page.

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OSFM mobilizes resources to Larch Creek Fire in Wasco County
Oregon State Fire Marshal - 07/09/24 9:23 PM

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing four structural task forces and its green incident management team to the Larch Creek Fire burning in Wasco County, 16 miles south of The Dalles.

The fire sparked between Dufur and Tygh Valley around 3 p.m. Tuesday and has quickly grown. The fire is estimated at 2,500 acres. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuations in place. 

The area remains under a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather. On Tuesday, temperatures reached 107 degrees. Gusty winds are expected to continue into Wednesday.

Three structural task forces will be briefed at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning with another task force joining later in the afternoon. 

“The heat wave that has gripped Oregon significantly increased the fire danger across the state. The continued hot, dry conditions, and gusty winds are a dangerous combination,” Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema said. “I am asking everyone to do what they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.” 

Tuesday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the fire, which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to protect life and property.

Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. 

For the latest on evacuations, follow the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.