Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 4, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 2,097 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment 75%

Total Resources: 432 | Hand Crews: 6 | Engines: 5 | Dozers: 4 | Heavy Equipment: 9 | Helicopters: 3

The Whisky Creek, Sandstone, and Blister Creek Fires are located in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. 

Whisky Creek: 

Yesterday, fire managers observed minor movement of the fire’s edge in the east fork of Herman Creek while flying a reconnaissance mission. Dry, windy conditions allowed interior fuels to burn more readily producing visible smoke. Fire crews and heavy equipment continued with fire suppression repair work, clearing ditches and backhauling of excess equipment. A handcrew assisted with mop-up operations at the nearby Knebal Fire. 

Light fire suppression repair continues to mitigate the impacts of suppression activities on natural resources while maintaining the integrity of firelines that may still be needed this season. Water tenders and a dozer are working to the east of the fire, cleaning up roads and repairing damage from suppression operations. Resources from both fires including six engines, one handcrew, two water tenders, and one dozer will remain available to assist with any new initial attack fire starts as needed. 

Sandstone and Blister Creek: 

No smoke was detected on the Sandstone Fire yesterday. Late in the day, smoke appeared on the Blister Creek Fire and firefighters will be extinguishing and securing that pocket of heat today. Excavators and a road grader worked along Forest Service Road (FSR) 7015 and the 160 spur as well as FSR 6320. Today, excavators and graders will continue restoring roads to pre-fire conditions and cleaning up roadway debris created from suppression activities. 

Weather: High pressure will build over the region through Friday. This will result in a warming and drying trend, with an easterly component to the wind.   

Closures: The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office lifted evacuation levels related to the Sandstone Fire in southern Clackamas County yesterday. While the evacuation levels are no longer in effect, area closures will remain in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County. Closure information can be found at https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024. Please respect area closure orders for your safety as well as the safety of our firefighters.

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; please use caution with all potential ignition sources. For prevention tips visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. The TFR remains in effect for both fires: https://bit.ly/3T59VWv. 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.