Larch Creek Fire evacuation areas possibly targeted by looters, residents say
Deputies in Wasco County have heard of potential looting in evacuated areas affected by the Larch Creek Fire, which has burned over 18,684 acres and has reached 14% containment.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As residents near the Larch Creek Fire continue to evacuate their homes, community members say some of the evacuated areas in Wasco County have become targets for looters.
Deputies say they have gotten information about the potential lootings, but have yet to receive a formal report that would prompt an investigation.
“We ask the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in evacuated areas by calling our non-emergency number [541-296-5454] so that we can dispatch a deputy to investigate immediately,” the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Looting during a natural disaster is a serious crime and will not be tolerated.”
As of Monday morning, the Larch Creek Fire has burned at least 18,684 acres and has reached 14% containment. At least three injuries and six destroyed structures have been reported, according to the State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard.
Level 2 “Get Set” evacuations are in place from Hulse Road in the north to the White River in the south, east to the Deschutes River and west to Highway 197; from the west side of the City of Tygh Valley to the intersection of Wamic Market Road and Fairgrounds Road; north to the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and Shadybrook Road; east to Highway 197 and the Deschutes River; from Highway 197 in the north to the White River in the south.
Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuations are in place from 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.
The evacuation shelter at the Maupin High School closed on Monday, but the evacuation shelter at the Wy'East Middle School in Hood River remains open.
Residents can pick up cases of water bottles at the Commercial Building of the Wasco County Fairgrounds through Friday between 10 a.m. and noon.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.