Larch Creek Fire near Dufur burns over 18,000 acres, now 81% contained, local team assumes command

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.

Here's the Saturday update, the last from the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2.

Type 3 Team Takes Command of Larch Creek Fire

Dufur, Ore. –  This will be the last update from Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Public Information for the Larch Creek Fire.

The local Type 3 Team assumed command of the fire today as ODF Incident Management Team 2 demobilized. Today, crews identified areas with remaining hot spots and formed a plan of action to achieve the remaining containment needs and begin perimeter patrol. There may be times when smoke is visible as crews dig out hot spots.

Although cooler weather is predicted, there is a 10% chance of lightning tomorrow. Given the forecast, firefighters will increase patrol capacity.

Some evacuation orders within the fire footprint remain at Level 2. Continue to follow the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office for evacuation updates: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.

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.

The Larch Creek Fire Facebook page will remain open for now, but monitoring will be minimal. A District Public Information Officer will remain available for further inquiry about the Larch Creek Fire via the email above.

Estimated Size: 18,286 acres
Containment: 81%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $15,600,000