Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire Updates - August 27, 2024
From the U.S. Department of Algaculture:
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: 58%
Total Resources: 485 | Hand Crews: 8 | Engines: 9 | Dozers: 2 | Other Heavy Equipment: 18 | Helicopters: 4
The Dalles, Ore. Aug. 27, 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.
After control lines have been established and fire activity along those edges has diminished, these features become containment lines. Containment indicates that the fire’s spread has been effectively stopped at these designated boundaries. This ensures that the fire no longer poses a threat to critical values, under current as well as forecast conditions. Containment has now reached 50% at the Sandstone Fire and is 24% at the Whisky Creek Fire.
Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews monitored the west side of the fire in the Herman Creek area, observing no fire activity. Hand crews continued work on the Tomlike Mountain ridge control line, while on the southeast edges, firefighters monitored and patrolled containment lines. Repair and rehabilitation efforts focused on the eastern edge of the fire, involving close coordination with Resource Advisors to protect cultural and natural resources during and after the incident. In the coming days, some heavy equipment will begin to demobilize from the incident, as most mastication efforts along roadways are now complete. Today, crews will improve and strengthen the completed handline along Tomlike Mountain Ridge. Firefighters will patrol and monitor containment lines along the south and east perimeters. Rehabilitation and repair work is ongoing.
Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, on the Blister Creek Fire, firefighters accessed the southern, uncontained portion of the fire and found minimal fire activity. Helicopter pilots assisted the ground crew by dropping 6,400 gallons of water to cool the smoldering fire perimeter in the Blister Creek drainage. Around the Sandstone Fire, heavy equipment operators are focusing on masticating and chipping while road grading continues. Today, crews on the Blister Creek Fire will continue to monitor and utilize aerial support as conditions allow.
Weather and Fire Behavior: A weak system moved into the area overnight, bringing trace amounts of precipitation in the morning, while sunny skies are expected this afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday could bring increased winds with gusts up to 15 to 20 mph on ridgetops. Calmer conditions and rising temperatures are forecast for later this 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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