More accurate mapping shows a human-caused Wasco County wildfire has burned more than 18,000 acres, the Oregon Department of Forestry announced Sunday.

The Larch Creek fire, which started Tuesday afternoon about 5 miles southeast of Dufur, spread to upwards of 9,000 acres by Thursday morning. Containment is now at 8% as crews focus attention on the Tygh Creek drainage area and nearby canyons.

Firefighters anticipate a difficult day Sunday due to expected wind gusts of 24 mph and low humidity that will dry out fuels. The department warns that fire can spread rapidly under these weather conditions.

“Holding the line and making sure fire doesn’t escape and start in a new area is the main goal for today,” forestry department spokesperson Andy Dwyer said.

A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order is in place from Friend Road to Rock Creek Dam Road/Wamic Market Road. Tygh Valley Road and the White River to Hulse Road and Threemile Road to the Deschutes River are also under the Level 3 order, according to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office.

A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation order is set 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. The order is also in place south of the Tygh Valley Market Road and U.S. 197 intersection to Hulse Road, east to the Deschutes River and southeast to the Deschutes River.

A Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation order is in place from Elliot Road east to U.S. 197 and south to the intersection of U.S. 197 and Dugur Gap Road and due west to Elliot Road.

South Wasco County High School in Maupin and Wy’east Middle School in Hood River are serving as evacuation shelters. Residents from Pine Hollow, Wamic, and Sportsman’s Park should use the shelter in Hood River, the forestry department said. A livestock shelter is available adjacent to the middle school at the Hood River Fairgrounds.

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page has the latest information about evacuations. Fire restrictions in the nearby Mount Hood National Forest are also in effect as of Friday.

— Riya Sharma covers Here is Oregon feature stories. Reach her at rsharma@oregonian.com or 503-294-5996.