Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 10, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 2,977 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 300 | Hand Crews: 4 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 11 | 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. Much work has been accomplished on these fires, and there is a high probability of success in confining the fire within the current footprint. Minimal growth is anticipated given the forecasted weather conditions. 

Whisky Creek: Cooler temperature and higher humidity moderated fire activity yesterday with only slight growth in the headwaters of Herman Creek. Crews cleaned up and scattered previously cut woody debris over a temporary helicopter landing site as well as hand lines to prevent erosion ahead of forecasted rain. Firefighters connected and tested a hose lay from Wahtum Lake to the main hose lay on the southeast side of the fire. Helicopters flew in to remove radio transmission equipment, completed a reconnaissance mission, and supported other nearby fires, including a new fire start. 

Crews will continue dozer line and hand line repair today and heavy equipment will engage in road grading on Forest Service Road (FSR) 2018 and 2810 up to Green Point Reservoir. Contingency planning is ongoing, identifying secondary fireline locations and developing a plan in the unlikely event a firing operation is necessary in the future. Fire managers are verifying access points, hazards, fuel conditions, and viability of firelines, all as part of the planning process. 

Sandstone and Blister Creek: Firefighters detected smoke on the Blister Creek Fire yesterday and mopped-up hotspots in on the ground coordination with a helicopter dropping a total of 2,000 gallons of water. No smoke was observed on the Sandstone Fire. Today, heavy equipment will continue to work along FSR 7015 and crews will repair hand line and temporary helicopter landing sites.

Weather: Cooler temperatures, gusty west winds, and rain will move into the area by late Tuesday and linger through Thursday. 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.