FEMA approves federal funding for Larch Creek Fire as wildfire continues to grow
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Larch Creek Fire has seen “substantial growth” south of The Dalles since it sparked Tuesday, burning more than 14 square miles as of Wednesday night.
The blaze sits at an estimated 9,135 acres as of Thursday morning with 0% containment, according to the State of Oregon’s Fires and Hotspots Dashboard.
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On Thursday morning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with the cost to fight the fire in Wasco County. It is the second Oregon wildfire to warrant these funds this season.
“At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Pine Hollow, Shady Grove and Tygh Valley,” FEMA officials said. ”The fire also threatened County Highway 216 and State Highway 197, cellular towers, gas utilities, electric utilities and White River Falls recreational park.”
The Oregon Department of Forestry said “high winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity” have allowed the fire to cross Highway 197 as it expands to the east. Officials said Highway 216 East is now closed from Highway 197 to Milepost 4.
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations are in place from Clark Miller Road east to J Hix Road, north to Kingley-Friend Market Road, and south to Badger Creek Road.
Level 2 “Get Set” evacuations run from Highway 197 east to the Deschutes River, north to Hulse Road, and south to Highway 216.
Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuations impact Elliott Road east to Kingsley Road and Dufur Gap Road north to Friend Road. The original evacuations in Tygh Valley, Wamic and Pine Hollow all remain in place.
A shelter is set up at Maupin High School for those impacted by the evacuation, and the Wasco County fairgrounds are open to those who need an evacuation location for livestock.
Updated evacuation map for the Larch Creek Fire on July 10, 2024 (WCSO) Larch Creek Fire (KOIN) Fire crews work to put out a fire near Larch Creek in Oregon. July 10, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry). Fire crews work to put out a fire near Larch Creek in Oregon. July 10, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry). Fire crews work to put out a fire near Larch Creek in Oregon. July 10, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry). Fire crews work to put out a fire near Larch Creek in Oregon. July 10, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry).
On Tuesday night, Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the fire, which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to protect life and property.
Officials told KOIN 6 News the fire was “human caused,” but the exact catalyst is still under investigation.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
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