Single Publication

Whisky Creek Size: 2,067 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 24%
Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 37%
Total Resources: 530 | Hand Crews: 9 | Engines: 10 | Dozers: 4 | Other Heavy Equipment: 19 | 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 incident’s top priority. As fire managers work to contain these fires, strategic options about different types of fire lines, including containment, control and contingency lines, are continually being assessed. Line construction decisions are based on the terrain, weather, and available resources with the objective of maximizing the probability of success protecting key values while minimizing firefighter risk.

Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews patrolling and monitoring the fire's eastern edge found little heat, indicating containment lines are holding well. To the southwest, crews extended the handline along the ridge from north of Wahtum Lake toward Tomlike Mountain. The process of mastication, aimed at reducing fuel, continued on Capron Springs Road from Forest Road 2820 and along Forest Road 2810 to support current primary lines and aid in future firefighting efforts. Today, firefighters will continue the handline along Tomlike Mountain ridge. On the eastern edge of the fire, monitoring and patrolling is ongoing. 

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, firefighters continued to monitor the control lines and uncontrolled edges of the Blister Creek Fire. Chipping operations on Forest Roads 7015 and 6320 processed vegetation and debris. Graders completed repairs on Forest Road 6322. Today, grading operations will shift to Forest Road 4620 toward Trout Creek to ensure better access for fire personnel. Containment on the Sandstone Fire increased to 37%. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Recent moisture will lead to low clouds and fog this morning, but partly to mostly sunny skies, warming temperatures and lowering humidity are forecast this afternoon. While recent rainfall has aided firefighting efforts, fire activity is likely to increase with the return of warming and drying conditions typical for this time of year.

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 below. Closures are in place for the safety of the public and fire crews.

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 conditions are forecast to be good for both fire areas.  For more information on smoke conditions in your area, go to: www.AirNow.gov. 

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