Whiskey Creek Fire Aug. 7 Update
From U.S. Department of Algaculture:
Size: 1,335 acres Start Date: July 20, 2024
Cause: Human – Under Investigation Location: 6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR Containment: 0% Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass
Highlights:
Firing operations were successful in the southeast corner of the fire yesterday. Crews were able to construct a fireline down to the old Eagle Creek burn scar and connect to established control lines in the northeast part of the fire. Crews continued to improve contingency lines in preparation for future firing operations if conditions warrant.
Operations:
Yesterday, helicopters dropped water along the southeastern edge of the fire to cool the area down and reduce fire spread. Crews conducted firing operations with the goal of removing fuel between the control lines and the fire’s edge to reduce the fire spread potential. Today, crews will improve existing handlines on the western side of the fire, and on the east and southeast flanks of the fire, crews will monitor and hold lines where firing operations were conducted yesterday.
Fire Behavior and Weather
Temperatures will begin to warm tomorrow as a ridge of high pressure builds over the area. Winds will generally be westerly around 10 mph or less with gusts to 18 mph and relative humidities will drop to 30 to 40 percent. Warmer and drier weather may increase fire intensity, but slightly less wind forecasted will reduce likely rates of spread. Winds should be terrain-driven upslope/up valley. Fire activity and smoke production are expected in the afternoon as fine fuels dry and become more receptive to burning, but lighter winds should reduce rates of spread. Smoke forecasts specifically for the Whisky Creek Fire area can be found at AirNow.gov.
Road and Trail Closures:
The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area closure information can be found at Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Hood River County has closure information that can be found on its website. Closures are put in place for the safety of the public and fire crews – intrusion in a closure area can stop fire suppression activities, endanger life and property, and can result in fines.
Total Fire Resources Assigned:
• Approx. 449 personnel, 12 hand crews, 6 engines, 5 water tenders, 2 dozers, 5 masticators, 3 skidders, 1 feller buncher, and 2 helicopters.
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