Containment grows to 11% on nearly 19,000-acre Larch Creek Fire in Wasco County as crews work to widen fire perimeter

(Update: Monday morning fire update; 'stable' fire activity overnight)

DUFUR, Ore. (KTVZ) – The firefighting force has grown to nearly 1,000 on the 6-day-old Larch Creek Fire in Wasco County, getting the blaze fully lined over the weekend and bringing it to 11% containment by Monday, officials said.

Here's the Monday morning update on the fire:

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

Night Crews Build Depth Around the Fire Perimeter

Dufur, Ore. – Fire activity remained stable overnight, allowing firefighters to complete burn operations to secure the perimeter and expand mop-up activities. Decreased winds overnight coupled with higher relative humidities provided good conditions for the fire crews to make good progress.

Today, firefighters will continue to focus on structure protection and reinforcing fire line around the entire perimeter. Additionally, air resources will continue to support the day crews as they extend deeper into burned areas.

There is an air quality advisory in effect until 12 pm today (7/15). For current and forecasted air quality as well as a map of smoke impacts, visit: airnow.gov.

Weather forecasting now shows a potential for thunderstorms Tuesday (7/16) evening into Wednesday (7/17) morning. This could bring gusty winds and additional ignitions in the greater area.

With several fires burning in the region as well as a high probability of ignition and rate of fire spread, continued precautions should be taken to prevent the start of additional fires. Fire restrictions are in effect for ODF and USFS jurisdictions.

Evacuations remain in effect and levels did not change today. Evacuation information is available at: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.

Evacuation shelters: Two shelters are available at South Wasco County High School (699 4th St in Maupin) and Wy'East Middle School (3000 Wy'East Rd, Hood River). Residents evacuating from Pine Hollow, Wamic, and Sportsman’s Park should travel to the west and use the shelter at Wy’East Middle School. 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: 11%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $8,500,000
Total Personnel: 982
Hand Crews: 27
Engines: 71
Water Tenders: 20
Dozers: 13
Helicopters: 11

Evacuations:
LEVEL 3 - GO NOW: from Friend Rd in the north down to Rock Creek Dam Rd./Wamic Market Rd. in the south. Tygh Valley Rd. and the White River in the south to Hulse Rd. in the north. Threemile Rd from the west to the Deschutes River on the east.

LEVEL 2- BE SET: From the intersection of Rock Creek Dam Rd. and Threemile Rd. north to Dodson Rd., west to Gate Creek, south to the White River, east to the boundary of the city of Tygh Valley south to Val Miller Rd./Juniper Flat Rd./Oak Springs Rd., and east to the Deschutes River. From the intersection of Tygh Valley Market Rd and 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.

LEVEL 1 - BE READY: from Elliott Rd. east to Hwy 197, south to the intersection of Hwy 197 and Dufur Gap Rd., and due west to Elliott Rd. High power electrical transmission lines threatened due to fire. Hwy 216 East remains closed between milepost 1 and 4.

Unified Command:
Lance Lighty and Matt Howard

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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.