The Oregon State Fire Marshal sent two additional task forces from Benton and Lincoln counties to the Larch Creek Fire burning southwest of Dufur in Wasco County. The area was under a continued Red Flag Warning Wednesday because of hot temperatures, gusty wind, and low humidity. The fire is mapped at 7,100 acres.
Highway 197 is currently closed between milepost 31 and Shady Brook for firefighter and public safety. Check www.tripcheck.com for the latest road conditions.
The Larch Creek Fire sparked Tuesday afternoon and quickly grew in size prompting level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices from the Wasco County Sheriff. For the latest on evacuations, please follow the sheriff’s office on social media.
Because of the threat to life and property, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources.
In total, six task forces were mobilized along with the OSFM’s Green Incident Management Team. The task forces are from Benton, Clackamas, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, and Washington counties. The state fire marshal response includes 81 firefighters, 24 engines, six water tenders, and 34 incident management team and support members.
The Green Incident Management Team and a Central Oregon Fire Management Service type 3 team created a Facebook page for fire information. It can be found here.
For the latest on evacuations, please follow the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.