Dufur, Ore. –Firefighters completed line across the Tygh Creek drainage last night. Today’s efforts are focused on securing and holding line during the expected critical fire weather conditions. There is a red flag warning for wind and humidity in the area starting at 11 am through 9 pm. Predictions show strong winds with gusts up to 24 miles per hour in the afternoon. Relative humidities continue to remain low, resulting in receptive fuels.
Fire activity can increase under red flag conditions. Remaining unburned fuels within the fire perimeter may continue to ignite. Additionally, weather forecasts show possible thunderstorms mid-week in the greater geographic area that may bring additional ignitions.
The fire footprint remains similar, however, refined mapping now shows the Larch Creek Fire at 18,486 acres. This increase in acreage is from a planned burnout operation to secure the western perimeter.
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: 18,486 acres
Containment: 8%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $7,100,000
Total Personnel: 944
Hand Crews: 27
Engines: 66
Water Tenders: 18
Dozers: 13
Helicopters: 10
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
