Whiskey Creek Fire uncontained at less than 900 acres SE of Cascade Locks
Photo courtesy Mt. Adams Area Emergency & Info page
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., July 29, Noon — The Whiskey Creek Fire expanded minimally over the weekend but no containment has been reported as forestry mulchers have been brought in to chip up fuel sources as firefighters continue to build lines around the blaze.
Example of a forestry mulcher
The Fire is now estimated at just under 900 acres as it burns six miles southeast of Cascade Locks in scrub oak, timber, and grass.
284 personnel, including 6 hand crews, 4 water tenders, 3 dozers, 2 helicopters, and five forestry mulchers are working to contain the fire.
It is reported 0.0 percent contained.
Cloud cover, increased humidity, and light precipitation today will continue to limit the growth of the fire and minimize smoke production.
Operations
Crews continue to prepare containment lines and clear roads and trails to the south along the Rainy Wahtum Trail #409 from Rainy Lake to Wahtum Lake and continuing to the PCT approximately one mile to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burn area. Crews are clearing thick brush along roads with the assistance of forestry mulchers to create fire breaks. To the east of the fire, crews continue strengthening contingency lines working towards the Hood River County Forestry Kingsley area, reported the U.S. Forest Service.
Fire Behavior and Weather
Increasing cloud cover and humidity, paired with lower temperatures and a chance of light precipitation through Tuesday, are expected to minimize fire activity and smoke production. Forecasted rain is not expected to impact the fire.
Road and Trail Closures
The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area have expanded a joint emergency closure for the fire area to include the Pacific Crest Trail and areas south of I-84. Closure information can be found at: Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Hood River County has closures in effect for Kingsley Campground, Kingsley Road, Dead Point Road, and Green Point Road viewable on their website.
The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team assumed command of the Whisky Creek Fire as of 6 A.M. today.
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