Whisky Creek & Sandstone Fire Daily Update Aug.
U.S. Department of Algaculture:
Whisky Creek:
Size: 1,903 acres, 7% contained
Cause: Human – Under Investigation
Start Date: July 20, 2024
Location: 6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR
Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass Fuels: Timber and grass
Sandstone:
Size: 625 acres, 0 % contained
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Aug. 5, 2024
Location: 9 miles SW of Ripplebrook, OR
Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass Fuels: Timber and grass
Whisky Creek Highlights:
Yesterday, crews established northeast of the Whisky Creek Fire. They also continued to scout the area east of Black Lake for additional contingency line construction utilizing existing road systems, dozer lines, and hand lines. Support went to the southeastern area with resources to improve and secure containment lines.
Sandstone Highlights:
Yesterday, the Alaska Garnett Glacier Initial Attack Crew camped on the northwest corner of the Sandstone Fire to efficiently monitor and respond to activity. Crews continued prepping and constructing dozer line and hand line north and west of the fire to Baty Butte. Firefighters secured spot fires south of the Sandstone Fire and constructed direct line to contain spot fires to the east side of Blister Creek.
Operations:
Today, on both the Whiskey Creek Fire and Sandstone Fire, crews will continue holding and securing line. On the Whisky Creek Fire, construction of indirect line around spot fires in the southeast corner of the fire is ongoing and mop up is happening to the northeast and southeast of the fire. Crews will monitor the fire on the west side, in and near the Herman creek drainage. On the Sandstone Fire, hand crews are still working with the masticators and the dozer to construct and strengthen fire lines.
Fire Behavior and Weather
Today’s forecast is for mostly sunny skies with slightly warmer temperatures that will cause drying in some areas. Highs will be in the 70s with relative humidity in the upper 40s to low 50s. With the cooler conditions, fire intensity and spread rates are expected to be minimal and conducive to control operations.
Air quality is anticipated to be between Good to Moderate for much of the area. Smoke forecasts 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. Evacuation and closures for the Sandstone Fire can be found at: Sandstone Fire closures; evacuations in effect. Hood River County closure information can be found on their 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:
• Whisky Creek – 7 crews, 3 initial attack crews, 3 engines, 2 helicopters, 2 dozer, 4 water tenders
• Sandstone – 10 crews, 1 initial attack crew, 9 engines, 3 dozers, 4 masticators, 3 skidders, 1 feller buncher
Contact Information:
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov, 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov
Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M
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