Larch Creek Fire continues to grow, but crews make progress

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Although the Larch Creek Fire continues to blacken parts of Wasco County, fire crews worked overnight to contain the blaze into Saturday morning.

The fire now sits at an estimated 14,267 acres as of Saturday morning with 3% containment , according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

In light of this, officials are reporting progress with established fire lines and mopping up areas near homes where the fire had been active. However, they add a fire watch is in the forecast for the east side of the fire starting Sunday, with winds being a big factor in contributing to a potential spread.

Further, fire restrictions are now in effect in the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest and all campfires or other open fires are prohibited at this time.

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.

For those impacted by the evacuation, a shelter is set up at Wy’East Middle School and South Wasco County High School. Additionally, 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.

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