Subsiding winds spur firefighters in 13,000-acre Larch Creek Fire; Cost at $6.2 million
Photo Courtesy the Larch Creek Fire Facebook page
From the Oregon Department of Forestry and State Fire Marshal:
Larch Creek Fire Morning Update, July 13, 8:45 a.m.
Estimated Size: 13,816 acres
Containment: 0%
Cause: Human Caused
Estimated Cost: $6,200,000
Total Personnel: 787
Hand Crews: 23
Engines: 61
Water Tenders: 16
Dozers: 12
Helicopters: 6
A Day of Opportunity on Larch Creek Fire
Dufur, Ore, July 13, 8:45 a.m. — Fire managers reported 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.
Crews took advantage of calmer winds and additional resources on Friday, July 12. Air resources supported crews on the ground with helicopters, single-engine air tankers, and scoopers. On the north side, firefighters reinforced line, and efforts on the east side allowed Highway 216 to reopen.
Challenges remained on the southwest portion of the fire, where crews are working to build line across steep terrain and canyons.
Today, July 13, offers crews the opportunity to “tie together” the established dozer line in the southwest corner with a 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.
The National Weather Service is calling for Sunny, with a high near 95. Light northwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
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 live-streaming 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).
• The livestock shelter is located adjacent to the Wy’East Middle School at the Hood River Fairgrounds (3020 Wy'East Rd, Hood River).
The Larch Creek Fire was first located 5 miles southwest of Dufur, OR and was first reported on Tue, July 9, just after 2 p.m. The cause was human activity and is under investigation.
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