Single Publication

Whisky Creek Size: 1,973 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 9% Sandstone Size: 699 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 19%                          Total Personnel 663 | Hand Crews: 21 | Engines: 1 | Water Tenders: 6 | Dozers: 5 | Other Heavy Equipment: 14 | Helicopters: 4
 

Highlights: A significant weather system arrived in the Cascades yesterday afternoon bringing 1/4 - 3/4” of rain, wind gusts up to 50 mph and hail over the fire areas. Despite significant precipitation, these fires remain active. Large burning logs, often protected by the forest canopy, are not readily extinguished by a passing storm. Responder safety is paramount so with these hazardous weather conditions, firefighters suspended operations in the early afternoon.
 

Operations: Progress continues on the Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires. However, fire weakened trees, rolling debris and steep terrain hinder suppression efforts. With Blister Creek’s fire perimeter surrounded by containment line, resources have been shifted to areas of higher priority on the nearby Sandstone Fire. A small contingent of personnel will continue to monitor the Blister Creek Fire for any evidence of heat near the perimeter. On Sandstone, crews continue to assess site conditions for opportunities to engage the fire more directly while favorable weather is over the fire area. Hand crews have completed line construction on the northern edge of the fire on Thunder Mountain Ridge. Firefighters continue to scout and construct contingency lines along the west and east sides of the fires.
 

On the Whisky Creek Fire, fire behavior remains minimal. On the south and east edges of the fire, crews worked to mop up, fall danger trees and secure portions of the containment line. The Black Lake spot fire is plumbed with hose lines and sprinklers are installed. Hand crews continue to scout the southeast portion of the fire’s perimeter for opportunities to safely engage the fire more directly if conditions allow. Crews plan to remove large woody debris along Forest Road 630 and 2820, east of Green Point Mountain.
 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today will be sunny and clear. Higher humidity and cooler temperatures will continue to moderate fire behavior.
 

Safety: Despite favorable weather conditions decreasing the danger of new large fires, the risk is still significant. The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; use caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit, https://keeporegongreen.org. Fire restrictions are in place within the Mt. Hood National Forest. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over both fire areas.
 

Smoke: Air quality is expected to be good for both fire areas. For more information on smoke conditions in your area, go to www.AirNow.gov.
 

Closures: The Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area closure information can be found by scanning the QR code or following the link in the bottom right corner of this page. Hood River County closure information can be found on their website: www.hoodrivercounty.gov/closures. 

Closures are put into place for the safety of the public and fire crews; intrusion in a closure area can interrupt fire suppression activities, endanger lives and property, and can result in fines.
 

For further information about the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires, see the following resources:
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov or 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Web: Scan the QR code at right or go to https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024