Single Publication

Whisky Creek Size: 2,057 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 9% Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 19%                          Total Resources: 730 | Hand Crews: 24 | Engines: 9 | Dozers: 5 | Other Heavy Equipment: 24 | Helicopters: 4

(Odell, Ore.) -- Fire suppression efforts continue on the Whisky Creek Fire, 6 miles southeast of Cascade Locks, Ore. and the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, 9 miles southwest of Ripplebrook, Ore. The fires are burning in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority. Fire managers are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to assess and develop plans for more direct fire suppression efforts. Despite significant precipitation during Saturday’s storm, these fires remain active. Large burning logs and other downed materials are not readily extinguished by a passing weather event.
 

Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews focused their efforts on the east and southeast areas of the fire. Just west of Rainy Lake, hand crews worked south along Green Point Mountain, mopping up lingering hot spots. Nearby, in the southeast corner, crews completed containment lines around all spot fires and finished removing hazardous trees. Heavy equipment operators completed work along Forest Roads 630 and 650. Crews continued with the removal of large woody material and other debris along Forest Road 2820, east of Green Point Mountain.
Today, crews will bolster hand lines on the east side of the fire and monitor contained spot fires near Black Lake. Hand crews are scouting the southern portions of the perimeter for opportunities to limit the size of the fire footprint. Heavy equipment operators will continue work on Forest Roads 630 and 2820.
 

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, crews monitoring the Blister Creek Fire perimeter observed no growth. To the east on the Sandstone Fire along the steep Thunder Mountain ridgeline, hand crews continued securing line down to Forest Road 4620 as well as on the southwest corner. Heavy equipment operators worked on prepping Forest Roads 6320 and 7010.
 

Today, crews will strengthen containment lines from Thunder Mountain ridgeline to Forest Road 4620 which will act as a contingency line on the northeast side of the fire. Hazard tree removal on dozer lines to the southwest of the fire will begin. Crews are deploying hose lays on the south and east side of the fire along containment roads.
 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today, partly cloudy skies will contribute to higher humidity and cooler temperatures, and otherwise mild conditions resulting in moderate fire behavior. A slight chance of scattered showers through the week may further reduce fire activity.
 

Safety: 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 Mt. Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Hood River County closure information can be found by scanning the QR code or following the link in the bottom right corner of this page. Closures are in place for the safety of the public and fire crews. 

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 or go to https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024