Larch Creek Fire burns near Dufur
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
DUFUR – The Larch Creek Fire south of Dufur saw state, local, and federal agencies transitioning to slow the fire’s progress towards Highway 197 and the Shadybrook community towards the south. The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office says that more accurate mapping put the fire at 7,100 acres Wednesday evening.
The fire is burning mostly in open grass fuels. The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center estimated 730 homes were threatened. Level three evacuations remain in effect, as well as level two and level one notices.
These were the levels as of 5 p.m. Wednesday:
Level 3 GO NOW – Remains in place for residences from Friend Rd, East to Elliott Rd and Hwy 197, South to Badger Creek Rd, West to Mc Corkle Grade Rd.
Level 2 GET SET – Remains from Fairgrounds Rd, East to Hwy 197, North to Shadybrook Rd, South to Fairgrounds Rd. Areas east of Hwy 197, east to the Deschutes River, north to Hulse Rd and south to Hwy 216
Level 1 GET READY – Remains from Badger Creek Rd/Fairgrounds Rd, South to Rock Creek Dam Rd/Wamic Market Rd, West to Threemile Rd, East to Hwy 197. **NEW AREA** Elliott Rd, East to Kingsley Rd./Dufur Gap Rd., North to Friend Rd. and South to Level 3 border.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office is posting the most recent evacuation alerts on its Facebook page. The fire, believed to be human caused, was first reported Tuesday afternoon. An American Red Cross Shelter is open at Maupin High School.
