Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 8, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 2,856 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 321 | Hand Crews: 4 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 12 | 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: 

Fire managers conducted two aerial reconnaissance missions over the Whisky Creek Fire yesterday. These flights showed some fire growth near Tomlike Mountain and limited growth on the northern and western fire perimeters. One spot fire was located burning inside the Eagle Creek Fire scar just to the north of the active fire edge. Fire personnel did not observe sufficient ground fuels to carry fire near the small spot fire in the burn scar, although there are scattered downed trees that can still reignite and smolder. Crews continued to backhaul excess equipment from the Rainy Lake Campground area. Aviation resources dropped 6,000 gallons of water on the Williams Mine Fire yesterday. Firefighters will begin removing structure protection wrap from buildings on the eastern side of the fire.

Dozer line repair continues along Forest Service Road (FSR) 2810 and in the Post Canyon area. Firefighters will continue monitoring and patrolling along the east side of the fire today. Fire personnel are evaluating the I-84 corridor for additional contingency hold points and access, if needed.

Sandstone and Blister Creek: 

Excavator work continued Friday cleaning ditches and repairing along FSR 6320 and FSR 7015. A grader worked to repair dozer line constructed for initial fire containment. Firefighters will monitor both fires today and continue to patrol around the fire perimeter. Firefighting resources from both fires remain available to assist with new initial attack fires in the area. 

Weather: Last night, winds turned westerly bringing cooler temperatures and higher relative humidities. There is a small chance of showers today, clearing on 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 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.