Firefighters gain on Larch Creek Fire on Monday, July 15; 14 percent contained
Well water testing recommended. Testing kits available at Fairgrounds in Tygh Valley
Chance of lightning beginning Tuesday evening
Photo courtesy the Larch Creek Fire Facebook Page
From the Oregon Department of Forestry with additions by Tom Peterson
Dufur, Ore., July 16, 10:30 a.m. – Last night, firefighters focused on securing the fire’s perimeter and strengthening fire lines. Today, this work will continue as well as expanding efforts to mop up deeper into the interior of the fire.
The 18,000-plus acre stands at 14 percent contained at a cost of $10.1 million.
At the latest tally, 868 personnel are working the blaze with 25 hand crews, 41 engines, 13 water tenders, 13 dozers, and 10 helicopters.
The Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) demobilized today, July 16. The Oregon Department of Forestry IMT2 has taken sole command of the fire.
Today, July 16, forecasters are calling for 98 degrees in the region of the fire with winds around 6 mph, according to the National Weather Service. It has issued a Fire Weather Watch in the Larch Creek Fire area. Scattered thunderstorms are expected across Central Oregon beginning Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, July 17.
The storm may bring outflow winds that could impact fire behavior. Dry lightning also brings the potential for more fire starts. Improved weather conditions are anticipated by midmorning tomorrow.
Fire personnel will monitor for smoldering snags and other residual heat.
Well Water Testing
Wasco County Survey Teams will be out and about in the community dropping off well-testing kits to those affected by the Larch Creek Fire. Kits are also available for pick up at the Commercial Building of the Wasco County Fairgrounds.
“If you sustained losses or damage due to wildfires, consider having your well water tested,” the Oregon Health Authority website states. “ We recommend testing for Arsenic, Nitrate, Bacteria, Lead, and, depending on damage assessment results, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX)."
Staff from North Central Public Health District will be located in the Commercial Building between 10 AM - 12 PM Tuesday through Friday to collect samples to be transported to the lab in The Dalles.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
“The collective partnership of ODF and OSFM incident management teams assures that Oregonians are well served,” said Incident Commander Matt Howard.
Evacuation levels decreased in some areas yesterday, July 15.
Evacuations
Level 3 - Go Now: Wamic & Pine Hollow from Friend Rd. in the north down to Rock Creek
Dam Rd./Wamic Market Rd. in the south. Threemile Rd. & Happy Ridge Rd. in the west and the intersection of Shadybrooke Rd. and Hwy. 197 in the southeast.
Level 2 - Be Set: From Hulse Rd in the north to the White River in the south, east to the Deschutes River and west to Hwy 197. From the west side of the town of Tygh Valley to the intersection of Wamic Market Rd. and Fairgrounds Rd., north to the intersection of Fairgrounds Rd. and Shadybrook Rd., east to Hwy. 197 and the Deschutes River, from Hwy. 197 in the north to the White River in the south. From the intersection of Rock Creek Dam Rd. and Threemile Rd. north to Dodson Rd., west to Gate Creek, south to the White River, and east to the boundary of the town of Tygh Valley.
Level 1 - Be Ready: From 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. From Elliott Rd. east to Hwy. 197, south to the intersection of Hwy. 197 and Dufur Gap Rd., and due west to Elliott Rd.
Evacuation information is available at: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff
Evacuation shelters: One shelter is available at Wy'East Middle School (3000 Wy'East Road, Hood River). The livestock shelter is located adjacent to the Wy’East Middle School at the Hood River Fairgrounds (3020 Wy'East Road, Hood River).
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