Some are furious over the $14-million Larch Creek Fire that put residents and their stock in peril and burned thousands of acres of property. Yet the man who allegedly caused the blaze is out of jail on bail and is not likely to do much jail time.

The 51-year-old man accused of starting the Larch Creek Fire near Dufur is currently wanted on an arrest warrant after he failed to show up at Wasco County Circuit Court on Monday, Sept. 16.

Scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds impacted Southeast Wasco County and other parts of the state early this morning and only minimally impacted the Larch Creek Fire area.

“Four local volunteer fire departments are fighting it,” Jordan Belozer said today, July 15. “Fire departments get funded for equipment, but the firefighters are all volunteers.” In fact, most take time off from work to fight fire. Concerned citizens from around the state have called the Maupin Chamber asking how they can help. This fundraiser is the result.

Despite low humidity and high winds predicted to gust to 29 mph on Sunday, July 14, it appears firefighters were able to keep the Larch Creek Fire in check. Winds are predicted to subside for the next few days, reducing the chances of flames breaching the fire lines.

LEVEL 1 GET READY -**NEW** From the west border of Van Miller Rd and the north border to the White River. The south border of Old Wapinitia Rd., and from the intersection of Old Wapinitia Rd. to the Deschutes River at a northeast direction. The north border is Oak Spring Rd on the east side of Hwy 197. From the intersection of Kingsley Rd. and Hix Rd. due east to the intersection of Tygh Ridge Rd. and Hwy 197, southeast to where Tygh Ridge Rd. turns north, and Tygh Ridge Rd. to the south.

Local landowners and firefighters work through the night to stem Larch Creek Fire which has grown to some 10,000 acres. Heavy winds on Wednesday, July 10, sent embers across Highway 197, igniting areas of the canyon along the roadway just north of Tygh Valley.

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.

Aerial attacks are being made on the Larch Creek Fire burning near Friend. Plumes of smoke can currently be seen south of The Dalles from Dry Hollow Road.