Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 7, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 2,621 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 408 | Hand Crews: 7 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 3 | Heavy Equipment: 10 | 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 easterly winds and low relative humidity led to increased fire activity on Friday, with the fire burning into the main fork of the Herman Creek drainage in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Fire managers are implementing a long-term plan utilizing the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire scar as a barrier to limit fire growth to the north and west. There was limited fire growth on the southern perimeter near Tomlike Mountain. Aviation resources provided support to the Williams Mine fire.

Firefighters will be monitoring and patrolling along the east side of the fire today. The grader will continue road repair work on Forest Service Road (FSR) 2810. An excavator started repairing dozer line to the northeast of the fire in the Post Canyon area. 

Sandstone and Blister Creek: 

The Blister Creek and Sandstone Fires showed no smoke or movement yesterday. On the Sandstone Fire, an excavator will work on cleaning ditches and road repairs along FSR 6320 and FSR 7015. Firefighters will monitor both fires today and continue to patrol around the fire perimeter. Firefighting resources including six engines and two water tenders remain available to assist with new initial attack fires. 

Weather: The Red Flag Warning has been extended through Saturday at 8 PM for low relative humidity and unstable air. Over the weekend the temperatures will begin to decrease and return to seasonal averages by Monday. Smoke will continue to settle in valleys overnight but will clear in the 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. 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 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 Temporary Flight Restriction 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.