Larch Creek Fire grows again, Level 2 evacuations expanded
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Larch Creek Fire continues to blacken parts of Wasco County as the wildfire grew to more than 21 square miles overnight.
The blaze now sits at an estimated 13,809 acres as of Friday morning with 0% containment, according to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations: Friend Road in the north down to Rock Creek Dam Road/Wamic Market Road in the south. Tygh Valley Road and the White River in the south to Hulse Road in the north. Threemile Road from the west to the Deschutes River on the east.
Level 2 “Be Set” evacuations: From the intersection of Rock Creek Dam Road and Threemile Road north to Dodson Road. West to Gate Creek, south to the White River, east to the boundary of the city of Tygh Valley south to Val Miller Road/Juniper Flat Road/Oak Springs Road, and east to the Deschutes River. From the intersection of Tygh Valley Market Road and Highway 197 south to Hulse Road, east to the Deschutes River, and from the intersection of Highway 197 and Tygh Valley Market Road, southeast to the Deschutes River.
Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations: Elliott Road east to Highway 197, south to the intersection of Highway 197 and Dufur Gap Road, and due west to Elliott Road.
A shelter is set up at Wy’East Middle School for those impacted by the evacuation, and the Hood River Fairgrounds are open to those who need an evacuation location for livestock.
Officials say evacuees from Wamic, Pine Hollow, Rock Creek, and Sportsman’s Park should take Forest Road 48 west to Highway 35 and into Hood River. Those taking Highway 216 East will find the road closed between Milepost 1 and 4.
Officials told KOIN 6 News the fire was “human caused,” but the exact catalyst is still under investigation.
On Thursday morning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with the cost to fight the fire. It is the second Oregon wildfire to warrant these funds this season.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.