Single Publication

Whisky Creek Size: 3,169 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25% 

Total Resources: 72 | Hand Crews: 2 | Engines: 2 | Water Tenders: 2 | Heavy Equipment:2  

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 continues smoldering in needle-cast and heavy logs. Yesterday’s weather provided higher temperatures and light easterly winds, but firefighters did not see a significant increase in fire activity. Today and tomorrow are also predicted to be warm and sunny, but fire activity is anticipated to remain minimal with little growth. Smoke will continue to be seen from Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge. 

Yesterday, crews finished grading Forest Road 2820 and made significant progress grading Forest Road 2810. Repair work on Forest Trail 409B has been completed. With guidance from Resource Advisors, firefighters will start repair work on the helispot that was created in the wilderness above Rainy Lake during fire suppression efforts. 

This will be the last daily update for the Whisky Creek Fire. Updates will be released in the future as needed to advise the public of changes in fire activity and closures. Fire personnel will continue to patrol and monitor the fire, extinguish hot areas threatening the control lines where they can safely engage, and repair damage from suppression work. 

Closures: Area closures remain in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County. As repair work is completed on the roads and trails affected by the fire, Agency Administrators will work with fire personnel to reassess the fire closure area. 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.  

Smoke: With the incoming warmer weather and light east winds over the next few days, we expect the fire will continue to produce light to moderate smoke. Based on minimal fire activity over the last two weeks, there is no expectation that the fire will move outside it’s current footprint. For smoke forecasts and safety, visit: oregonsmoke.org. 

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.