Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Update - August 26, 2024
Whisky Creek Size: 2,075 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 24%
Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 37%
Total Resources: 533 | Hand Crews: 10 | Engines: 9 | Dozers: 2 | Other Heavy Equipment: 19 | Helicopters: 4
From U.S. Department of Algaculture:
The Dalles, Ore Aug. 26, 2024 — Fire suppression efforts continue on the Whisky Creek Fire, 6 miles southeast of Cascade Locks, Ore., and the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, 9 miles southwest of Ripplebrook, Ore. The fires are burning in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. Firefighters and public safety remain the incident’s top priority.
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Once a wildfire is confirmed on the landscape, fire managers determine which locations may best serve as firelines to protect key values while minimizing firefighter risk. Control lines are purposely constructed or carefully identified natural features that serve as barriers against fire growth. If fire suppression operations are successful and fire behavior moderates, these control lines may be designated as containment lines, effectively halting fire spread. At this point, at the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires, firefighters are focusing their efforts on building and strengthening these lines.
Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and monitor along the fire’s contained edge, confirming old spot fires have been completely extinguished. Hand crews extended control lines north on the Tomlike Mountain ridge as mastication efforts along Forest Road 2810 were completed. Today, mastication efforts to remove fuel along Capron Springs Road will continue. Firefighters along the Tomlike Mountain ridge will focus on expanding fireline construction north toward the fire perimeter.
Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, aerial flights confirmed no heat in the open and exposed areas on the northern edge of the Sandstone Fire. Personnel closely monitored the fire perimeter of the Blister Creek Fire. Crews continue to use chippers to break down debris created from fire suppression work along Forest Road 7015. Grading operations to repair and improve road access were completed near Trout Creek. Today, firefighters will continue to monitor, patrol, and mop up the contained fire edges while heavy equipment operations and road maintenance are ongoing.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures will rise and drying will continue, with light winds expected. A weather system may bring a small sprinkle of rain on Tuesday, but warm and dry conditions are anticipated to return. Lower daytime humidity and elevated temperatures are expected to increase fire activity later in the week.
Closures: The Mt. Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Hood River County closure information can be found by scanning the QR code or following the link below. Closures are in place for the safety of the public and fire crews.
Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; use caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit, https://keeporegongreen.org. 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. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over both fire areas.
Smoke: Air quality conditions are forecast to be good for both fire areas. For more information on smoke conditions in your area, go to: www.AirNow.gov.
For further information about the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires, see the following resources:
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov or 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov
Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Web: Scan the QR code or go to https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024
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