Single Publication

Central Cascades Interagency IMT

Whisky Creek Fire

Sept. 11, 2024

Fire Information: (541) 208-1743, 8 AM - 8 PM

For links to incident information: https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024

Whisky Creek Size: 3,047 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

Total Resources: 165 | Hand Crews: 2 | Engines: 2 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 2 | Helicopters: 1

The Whisky Creek Fire is in steep and rugged terrain within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The fire remains within the control lines along the southern and eastern edge. The Eagle Creek Fire scar continues to be a barrier along the western and northern edges of the fire. The fire received precipitation Tuesday night into Wednesday that helped moderate fire behavior yesterday. The rain received was less than forecasted, so Hood River Valley and Columbia River Gorge communities will still see smoke from heavy fuels burning.

The Central Cascades Interagency Incident Management Team took over the Whisky Creek Fire last night. We would like to thank Northwest Team 12 for the amazing work they performed during their assignment. The Sandstone and the Blister Creek Fires will be managed by a local Type 4 organization.

The fire grew minimally yesterday with little to no activity. Crews will continue to do light fire suppression repair to help prevent erosion. Resource advisors continue to work with crews and heavy equipment during the repair efforts to minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources. Firefighters will continue to patrol the accessible portions of the fire perimeter.

Weather: Cooler weather yesterday helped keep fire activity to a minimum. There is potential for another weather system to move into the area over the weekend with forecasted rain. 

For smoke forecasts and safety, visit: oregonsmoke.org.

Closures: Area closures will remain in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County. Closures are put into place for the safety of the public and fire crews; intrusion into a closure area can disrupt fire suppression and repair activities, endanger lives and property, and can result in fines. Closure information is at: https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024. 

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; please use caution with all potential ignition sources. For prevention tips see: https://keeporegongreen.org. The Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect for the Whisky Fire: https://tinyurl.com/2s49yrj4. Fire restrictions are in place on the Mt. Hood National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire.