Single Publication

Whisky Creek:

Size: 1,750 acres

Cause: Human – Under Investigation

Start Date: July 20, 2024

Location: 6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR

Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass

Sandstone:

Size: 602 acres

Cause: Lightning

Start Date: Aug. 5, 2024

Location: 9 miles SW of Ripplebrook, OR

Fuels: Timber and grass

Whisky Creek Highlights:

Crews will continue to construct and improve the direct containment line on the north and east sides of the fire. Yesterday, crews started mop-up operations and today continued to secure, mop-up, and patrol along completed fire lines.

Sandstone Highlights:

Crews will continue building handline around Blister Creek Fire and securing the ridge. Mop-up continues along the handline east of the fire. There is a mix of handline and dozer line on the northeast portion of fire.

Operations:

Roads and ridges are being assessed for containment lines on the west and south flanks of the Sandstone Fire, while providing ground resources access to the fire. Equipment has begun building line along the southern area of the fire and crews will continue to put in indirect handline on the north portion of the fire. Crews will continue to scout, and prepare, for containment lines. 

Fire Behavior and Weather

A low-pressure weather system has started to move into Oregon, bringing lower temperatures and increased moisture. Today will have partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the 60s and minimum relative humidities in the mid-to-upper 50s.

Winds will be more westerly and are expected to clear smoke in much of the outlook area.  Smoke forecasts can be found at AirNow.gov.

Road and Trail Closures:

The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area closure information can be found at: Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Evacuation and closures for the Sandstone Fire can be found at: Sandstone Fire closures; evacuations in effect. Hood River County has closure information that can be found on their  website. Closures are put in place for the safety of the public and fire crews – intrusion in a closure area can stop fire suppression activities, endanger life and property, and can result in fines.

Total Fire Resources Assigned:

• Whisky Creek – 7 crews, 4 initial attack crews, 4 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 dozer, 4 water tenders 
• Sandstone –- 10 crews, 1 initial attack crew, 7 engines, 2 dozer, 4 masticators, 2 skidders, and 1 feller buncher

Contact Information:                                                                                                                          

Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov, 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov

Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M