The Larch Creek Fire, which has been raging through Wasco County since Tuesday, has grown to over 16,000 acres with firefighters making headway despite challenging conditions. According to OPB, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, allowing for additional state resources to be deployed in the fight against the expanding wildfire. As of the latest reports on Saturday evening, the fire is still at 3% containment.
Over the weekend, crews focused on establishing and reinforcing containment lines, especially on the fire's north and east sides. An Oregon Department of Forestry Public Information Officer, EJ Davis, expressed that cooler temperatures have aided the efforts of the fire crews. "In a few places where the fire has been more active in the last few days, we have put in dozer line, but we’re needing to tie it together across some canyons and steeper terrain where dozers can’t operate. That’s a priority today and tonight," Davis told KATU News. Nearly 800 personnel have been assigned to combat the fire, with additional ground and air resources still arriving.
Evacuations have been mandatory for certain areas, with Level 3 “Go Now” orders in effect for a stretch of Wasco County from Friend Road to Rock Creek Dam Road/Wamic Market Road, among other locations. In addition to human residents, provisions have also been made for livestock, with the Hood River Fairgrounds open to accommodate animal evacuees.
The wildfire, deemed human-caused, has prompted officials to put strict fire restrictions in Mt. Hood National Forest to prevent further incidents, as reported by KOIN 6 News. Moreover, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch, highlighting the potential for strong winds and dry fuels to intensify wildfire activities. Evacuees seeking shelter have been directed to Wy’East Middle School and South Wasco County High School, while those needing evacuation routes are advised on safe travel paths outside of the hazard zones.
The Larch Creek Fire follows in the wake of Wasco County's 2018 Substation Fire, a reminder of the region's vulnerability to powerful wildfires. As the community braces for the upcoming gusty winds forecasted for Sunday, authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the fire, while FEMA has authorized the use of federal funds to help manage the firefighting costs.
