Single Publication

Whisky Creek Fire:
Size: 1,671 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 Fire
Size: 519 acres
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Aug. 5, 2024
Location: 9 miles SW of Ripplebrook, OR
Fuels: Timber and grass

Whisky Creek Highlights:
Aerial and ground firing operations were successful yesterday. Crews are mopping up and securing the burnout operations from yesterday. Burnout operations may continue today as conditions warrant.

Sandstone Highlights:
Command of the Sandstone Fire was assumed at 6:00 am yesterday.  Hand crews and heavy equipment working on establishing control lines around the perimeter of the fire, prioritizing the south to west flanks.  Flights were done over the fire for monitoring and water drops.  There was little fire growth during the day yesterday.

Operations:
Crews on the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires will continue to look for hotspots, securing handline and cold trailing along the east flank of the fire. 

A crew from Alaska will be assigned to the Sandstone Fire today.  More crews and equipment will be ordered as needed to ensure we have the right coverage.  The fires are being managed for full suppression.

Fire Behavior and Weather:
Temperatures will remain warm as a ridge of high pressure builds over the area with terrain driven winds. The warmer and drier weather may increase fire intensity and low relative humidities will make fuels more susceptible to burning.

Additional smoke is expected in the afternoon as fine fuels dry and become more receptive to burning. Smoke forecasts specifically for the Whisky Creek Fire area 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. 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:
Approx. 387 personnel, 9 hand crews, 5 engines, 5 water tenders, 2 dozers, 5 masticators, 3 skidders, 1 feller buncher, and 2 helicopters.                   

Contact Information:     
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov  
Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M