“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.

LEVEL 2 - GET 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 City 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. This area has been lowered from Level 3.

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.

The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) and Burgerville in The Dalles are teaming up for a community fundraiser in July! From 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17th. Twenty percent of proceeds will go toward schools tailor-made for local kids.

“Under these conditions, any ignitions could spread rapidly. Precautions should be taken to prevent the start of new fires. The public is also reminded that drones are not permitted to fly in the fire's airspace. Doing so can cause grounding of all aircraft, hampering effective fire response,”  stated a joint press release from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the State Fire Marshal.

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.

Upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, the grand jury returned a not true bill today, finding that the use of force by Wasco County Sheriff’s Deputies Tyler Williams and Joshua Augustus, and The Dalles City Police Officer Jeremiah Dutton that resulted in Law’s death was justified and not criminal under Oregon law. Sheriff’s Deputy Kanyon Reams and The Dalles City Police Officers Nolan Randall and Ezequiel Pitones were also on the scene during the incident, but the latter three did not discharge their firearms.

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.

Afternoon winds on Thursday pushed the fire south as the fire spread into canyons and draws next to Highway 197 on Wednesday, July 10, and then moved on Thursday toward nearby Highway 216 - the road that leads from 197 to White River Falls on the way to the Deschutes River. 

“We will present evidence to the citizens of the community that are sitting on this grand jury and they will be asked to determine whether the officer-involved shooting was justified,” District Attorney Matthew Ellis said this morning, July 11. Jimmy L. Ewing, also known as August J. Law was fatally wounded during the shooting.

Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation from Wamic & Pine Hollow. Wy'East Middle School (3000 Wy'East Rd) in Hood River is the designated shelter for people. The Hood River Fairgrounds (3020 Wy'East Rd) is still a shelter for livestock. Leave without delay. It is unsafe to stay and threatens the safety of you, your family, and emergency responders. Your life could be in great danger. Emergency services personnel may not be available to help you if you choose to stay.

Meet Wasco County Queen Audriyona and learn what is happening at the Wasco County Fair this year. Tickets are on sale now at a discount. Events kick off with Family Day on Aug. 15 and run through the 18th at the fairgrounds in Tygh Valley.

A brush fire is burning just east of Stonehedge Gardens on Wine Country Ave, according to Hood River Police.

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.

Through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, Visit Hood River announces the award of $39,278 in matching funds to seven local organizations.

Kiwanis Programs for July 2024

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.

Due to dry and hot conditions, campfires are prohibited across the Mt. Hood National Forest beginning Friday, July 12, 2024.

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.

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.