Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 2, 2024

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

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

Whisky Creek Size: 2,092 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 469 | Hand Crews: 6 | Engines: 6 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 10 | Helicopters: 4

Firefighters, fire engines, and other resources remain available on both the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires if needed to assist with new initial attack fires in the area. These fires are located in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. This Labor Day weekend please help prevent wildfires and protect firefighters by recreating responsibly, respecting fire closures, and complying with all fire restrictions. 

Whisky Creek: 

Yesterday, warmer and drier conditions resulted in a small uptick in interior burning producing light visible smoke in the east fork of Herman Creek. Fire crews continued to engage in light fire suppression repair activities including scattering woody debris, chipping, and constructing water bars without compromising the integrity of fire control lines. A task force including hand crews, heavy equipment, and personnel as well as three heavy helicopters delivering water bucket drops were diverted to a new fire start in the area of Knebal Campground. Aggressive initial attack successfully stopped the new fire at approximately nine acres. Crews are also working on clean up of Forest Service Roads (FSRs) 2810 and 2820 with the assistance of an excavator and water tenders that are arriving today.  

Sandstone and Blister Creek: 

Crews furthered fire suppression repair efforts by finishing masticating on FSR 7015 and chipping activity fuels along FSR 7020 to the 150 spur as well as along FSR 6322. Excavators worked to clear debris out of ditches and road graders worked to repair FSR 4620. Firefighters located and secured a few smoking hotspots near the fire perimeter to eliminate the threat of spot fires establishing. Blister Creek Fire has remained within its footprint with no visible smoke. Today firefighters are clearing culverts and chipping along FSR 7010 to the 160 spur road. An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be flying the Blister Creek Fire to identify areas of lingering heat with infrared technology. Personnel will also be monitoring and patrolling the Blister Creek Fire, ready to engage in the event of a flare up.

Weather: Today will see cooler temperatures in the 60s to low 70s with increased relative humidity.

Closures: Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County closure information can be found at https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024. Please respect area closure orders for your safety as well as the safety of our firefighters.

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 both fires: https://bit.ly/3T59VWv. 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.