Larch Creek Fire near Dufur burns over 18,000 acres, now 81% contained

DUFUR, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As new fires break out across Oregon, ones that began several days ago near full containment, including the more than 18,000-acre Larch Creek Fire in Wasco County, now 81% contained at a cost so far of $15.6 million.

Larch Creek Fire - Friday evening update July 19

Dufur, Ore. – This will be the last update from Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 for the Larch Creek Fire.

Crews during the day continued mop-up to make the fire safe and reduce residual heat and smoke. Hose and pumps no longer needed along the fire’s footprint are being hauled back to the cache.

Tonight, infrared imaging will be used to aid firefighters in finding and extinguishing hidden heat sources.

Tomorrow morning, the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 will transfer command of the fire to a local Type 3 team The Type 3 organization shadowed ODF Team 2 today and gain additional knowledge of the fire. Transfer of command is planned for tomorrow morning at 6 a.m.

Hot and very dry conditions are expected over the weekend, with temperatures in the triple digits.

The Farm Service Agency out of The Dalles offers disaster recovery assistance programs for lands affected by the fire. Details regarding these programs can be explained through FSA staff contacts: www.wascoswcd.org/wasco-county-farm-service-agency-staff

Evacuation orders were lowered today by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. Evacuation details are available at: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff

FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 18,286 acres
Containment: 81%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $15,600,000
Total Personnel: 217
Hand Crews: 6
Engines: 13
Water Tenders: 2
Dozers: 2
Helicopters: 3
Incident Command:
Matt Howard, Incident Commander
Craig Pettinger, Deputy Incident Commander