7/13/2024 Larch Creek Fire Morning Update

Larch Creek Fire Facebook

Incident contact information:
Larchcreekfireinfo@gmail.com
541-316-8289

**COMMUNITY MEETING LOCATION CORRECTION**

Tonight, the Community Meeting will be held at 7 PM at the 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗚𝘆𝗺𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺, 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘄𝘆 𝟭𝟵𝟳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁. 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗻, 𝗢𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗻.

Dufur, Ore. – Fire managers report further progress across the Larch Creek Fire this morning. Overnight, crews undertook mop-up and patrolled around much of the north and east, where lines were reinforced up to 100 feet deep in some locations. On the southwest portion of the fire, firefighters established dozer lines up to the Tygh Creek drainage. They also mopped up around homes where the fire had been active.

Today offers crews the opportunity to “tie together” the established dozer line in the southwest corner with hand-built line through the Tygh Creek drainage and solidify these significant gains before gusty winds are expected to return tomorrow. A fire weather watch is forecast for the east side of the fire beginning on Sunday. Winds continue to be the primary factor in rapid fire spread. Fuels remain extremely dry and receptive to burning. Tall grasses, brush, and dead timber are primed to contribute to active fire behavior as winds increase.

Given these conditions, the public is reminded to be aware and exercise precautions to prevent the start of new fires. Fire restrictions are now in effect on the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest. All campfires and any other open fires are prohibited under a Forest Order, including developed campgrounds. For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire

There will be a public meeting tonight at 7:00 pm at South Wasco County High School in Maupin (699 4th St, Maupin, OR). Spanish language interpretation will be available. This meeting is in-person with no livestreaming option.

Evacuations remain in effect. Updated 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: 14,267 acres

Containment: 3%

Cause: Human Caused

Estimated Cost: $6,200,000

Total Personnel: 787

Hand Crews: 23

Engines: 61

Water Tenders: 16

Dozers: 12

Helicopters: 10

Evacuations:

Level 3 GO NOW – Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation 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 GET 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 GET 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.