Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 6, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 2,105 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 369 | Hand Crews: 9 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 3 | Heavy Equipment: 8 | Helicopters: 3

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

Whisky Creek: 

The higher temperatures and easterly winds caused an uptick in fire activity yesterday, and increased smoke is expected today with the Red Flag conditions. There has been minimal fire growth, and firefighters are well prepared for any increase in fire activity. Firefighters continue to monitor and patrol, looking for heat near the fire perimeter and securing hot spots as necessary. Yesterday crews began the process of loading excess hose and supplies from the fireline into external cargo loads. They removed approximately 10,000 pounds of equipment off the fire via helicopter long-line. These excess supplies (or backhaul) were returned to fire camp for shipment to regional fire warehouses to be refurbished for future use. The grader worked on Forest Service Road (FSR) 2810, while a handcrew continued road repair on FSR 2821. Aircraft from the Whisky Creek Fire continued to support the Williams Mine Fire yesterday, dropping 45,000 gallons of water.

Today crews will continue to prepare loads for removal by helicopter. Two handcrews will arrive today to assist with work on both the Whisky Creek and the Sandstone Fires. The grader and water tender from the Sandstone Fire will transfer to the Whisky Creek Fire to continue priority road repairs.

Sandstone and Blister Creek: 

Road repair continued along the FSR 6320. Two additional excavators are scheduled to arrive today for repair work. Firefighters will continue to patrol the Sandstone and Blister Creek fires for hotspots and work on trail and road repair. Firefighters remain available to assist with new initial attack fires. 

Weather:  A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Friday at 11 PM for gusty offshore winds and low relative humidity. An Excessive Heat Warning is forecasted for Friday and Saturday. Friday the temperatures will be 75-85 degrees across both fire areas. Winds will be easterly 25-35 mph. Smoke will move into the area but clear this afternoon. 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. Please respect area closure orders for your safety as well as the safety of our firefighters. Closure information can be found 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 visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. The TFR remains in effect for the Whisky fire: https://tinyurl.com/2s49yrj4. 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.