Larch Creek Fire Update: 7,100 acres; fire is human caused; Hwy. 197 closed
Firefighters slow the fire’s move toward Highway 197 but the highway remains closed at this time. Forecasters are calling for slightly cooler temps and decreasing winds on Thursday, July 11, which will help as multiple agencies and landowners work to control the blaze.
Larch Creek Fire Update July 10: More accurate mapping places fire at 7,100 acres
Initial attack crews worked through the night putting in dozer lines and burnouts along the east and west flanks from the north down to the unsecured south. The Central Oregon Type 3 Interagency Fire Management Team as well as the Green Incident Management Team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal are in place at the Dufur High School.
Larch Creek Fire Update July 10: Level 2 GET SET Evacuations east of Hwy 197 to Deschutes River
Level 2 GET SET Evacuations have been upgraded for the areas east of Hwy 197, east to the Deschutes River, north to Hulse Rd, and south to Hwy 216. All other evacuation areas remain the same.
'Bird Man' Wows Kids at The Dalles Wasco County Library
Zoologist, animal behaviorist, and wildlife educator Karl Anderson, also known as the "Bird Man," captivated a room full of children at The Dalles Wasco County Library with his collection of exotic birds.
Larch Creek Fire Update July 10: Pine Hollow Reservoir Closed for Aircraft Use
Pine Hollow Reservoir has been to the public so that aircraft have access to quickly and efficiently continue fighting the fire.
Unions and D21 Confront Clerical Error in Tentative Agreement; grievance filed
D21EA President Jodi Ketchum emphasized that the unions now face a critical choice: move forward with the tentative agreement or reopen bargaining.
Larch Creek Fire Update July 10: Fire at 3,500 acres; Cause unknown
Last reported resources: 8 engines, 20-person hand crew from USFS Mt Hood, 4 dozers, local landowner resources, and multiple air resources. A type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service team has been ordered and is in route. The forecast calls for a high near 96 today, July 10.. Northwest wind will be 7 to 12 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.
Column: Imagine there's no fireworks; it's easy if you try
Think about what freedoms you cherish and which ones we don't care about. Maybe, in the future, instead of lighting fireworks we'll get a bang out of dinner parties and street dances. Rather than the sounds of a war zone, we'll hear music. Let's start with 'Give Peace A Chance.'