Here’s the latest on Oregon wildfires and evacuations across the state.
Fast-moving Larch Creek Fire spurs evacuations near Dufur
A fast-moving wildfire brought evacuations near Dufur after burning 7,000 acres of grass and timber in Central Oregon.
The Larch Creek Fire was 5 miles southwest of Dufur, closest to Friend, burning west of Highway 97.
The fire brought level 3 “go now” evacuations in the Tygh Valley area west of White River Falls State Park. A level 1 "get ready" was set Wednesday morning from Elliott Road east to Kingsley Road and north to Friend Road. An evacuation map can be found here.
A shelter at Maupin High School was opened to anyone evacuating.
Oregon Department of Forestry said firefighters were under initial attack and would continue operations into the night.
“The fire is currently burning with moderate-to-high spread,” ODF said late Tuesday night. No structures had burned yet, officials said.
“With high temperatures, low humidity, and difficult terrain, suppression efforts are requiring diverse methods of attack, prioritizing safety while protecting life and structures,” ODF said. “Increased winds are playing a significant factor in fire behavior.”
Emergency Conflagration Act invoked by Governor Kotek over Larch Fire
In response to Larch Creek Fire, Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration act Tuesday evening, a news release said.
Necessary resources to protect life and property were deemed beyond local capabilities. Wasco County commissioners requested assistance with safety and structural fire protection.
“Oregonians across the state have been battling unusually high temperatures over the past week, which increased the threat of wildfire,” Kotek said. “I authorized an emergency conflagration to allow additional resources to fight the Larch Creek Fire.”
Salt Creek Fire grows to 3,815 acres in Southern Oregon
The Salt Creek Fire in Southern Oregon grew to 3,815 acres. Containment of the fire increased to 7%.
On Tuesday, an infrared flight mapped the blaze and gave firefighters significant growing areas to focus on. As of Wednesday morning, 80% of the fire had a line built around it.
The fire was located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday afternoon.
Due to vegetation and topography, the fire was expected to drive along steep terrain and draws.
Dehydration due to the Oregon heat wave and hazardous trees were the main threats to firefighter safety. No injuries had been reported.
“Crews made great progress working to construct and improve line," IMT 1 Incident Commander Joe Hessel said. "Local initial attack crews gave the team an amazing head start. Now, our goal is to finish the job as safely as possible.”
A level 1 "be prepared" evacuation warning had been issued Sunday for the area around Lakecreek, an unincorporated community about 20 miles east of Medford.
Salt Creek Road and Wasson Canyon Road remained closed at Highway 140, and Double Day Road was closed off of Butte Falls Highway. Highway 140 and Butte Falls Highway remained open.
McCaffery Fire 100% contained in Central Oregon at 458 acres
A local Type 4 incident commander took command Tuesday evening. Some resources remained on scene to ensure the fire stays put within its footprint.
The Deschutes and Crook County sheriff's offices continued to have a Level 1 "Be ready" evacuation in place for areas near the fire.
Willamette National Forest decreases fire danger level to 'moderate'
As high temperatures from the heat wave begin to finally drop, yet still around 15 degrees hotter than average in Willamette Valley, the Willamette National Forest decreased the fire danger level from "high" to "moderate."
There were no public-use restrictions. Campfires should be contained in a preexisting fire ring with a shovel and water nearby, officials said.
There were campfire bans in other parts of the state, including southwest and Central Oregon. Officials said to check local rules before heading out.
Forest officials warned everyone to stay vigilant while recreating, especially with a campfire.
Small Sulphur Fire is controlled in Southern Oregon
The 2-acre Sulphur Fire that started Monday night in Southern Oregon southwest of Medford was controlled by fire crews.
Final gridding performed Tuesdaty showed no smoke, according to Virginia Gibbons with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Official said patrolling and grids would continue throughout the week.
A U.S. Forest Service fire engine identified Monday night the fire on a ridge south of Beaver Sulphur Campground, according to a news release.
Ground firefighters responded immediately, and air tankers were pulled from the Applegate fire to drop water on the new burn.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Shelly Fire may affect Willamette Valley air quality
The Shelly Fire, located about 250 miles south of Eugene in northern California, had spread to 8,285 acres since it started July 3.
With continuous hot dry weather and access difficulties, the fire continued to grow. With proper conditions, the smoke from the large fire could affect the air quality of the southern Willamette Valley.
Elliott Deins is an outdoors journalism intern for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at edeins@salem.gannett.com
