Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 11, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 3,047 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 295 | Hand Crews: 4 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 11 | Helicopters: 1

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. 

Today is Northwest Team 12’s last day assigned to the fire. The team would like to thank the local community for hosting our Incident Command Post and supporting our efforts. A local Type 3 team will be taking responsibility for the Whisky Creek Fire while the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires will be transitioning to a local Type 4 organization.

Whisky Creek: The fire grew minimally yesterday with the most activity on the south flank in the headwaters of Herman Creek. Firefighters filled portable water tanks by pumping water from Wahtum Lake up the hose lay along the southeast flank. Grading continued near Green Point Reservoir and heavy equipment completed dozer line repair between Forest Service Road (FSR) 2820 and FSR 630. A resource advisor will be inspecting fire suppression repair work tomorrow. Rain in the forecast will quiet fire activity, but smoke from smoldering heavy fuels will persist.

Sandstone and Blister Creek: Several new smokes appeared within the eastern perimeter of the Sandstone Fire yesterday. Firefighters found smoldering stump holes close to the fireline, and mopped up these smokes to eliminate any threat to established containment lines. Additional smoke may be present as interior fuels continue to smolder. Tomorrow, heavy equipment will continue to work on FSR 7015 as well as repairing dozer lines and hand lines. 

Weather: A wetter weather system has moved in with rain expected across the area, as well as cooler temperatures and gusty west/southwest winds. This system will exit the area on 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.