Whisky Creek Daily Fire Update Sept. 17
From the U.S. Department of Algaculture:
Whisky Creek Size: 3,099 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%
Total Resources: 111 | Hand Crews: 3 | Engines: 3 | Heavy Equipment: 1 | Helicopters: 1
The Whisky Creek Fire is in steep and rugged terrain within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The fire remains within the control lines along the southern and eastern edges. The Eagle Creek Fire scar continues to be a barrier along the western and northern edges of the fire.
Due to cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity, the fire continues to show minimal behavior. There is some growth along the southern edge and interior pockets where there are unburned fuels still being consumed.
Firefighters have made progress with light repair work on contingency and secondary control lines. Excavators have finished repair work on Forest Road 2810 in the Ottertail Lake area. Today, hand crews will assess the needs necessary to repair Forest Trail 409B and develop a plan to rehab the trail which is popular with the mountain bike community.
Firefighters will continue to patrol the primary control lines which remain fully intact with hose-lays, water tanks, and pumps that are ready to use if needed.
Weather: There is an anticipated weather system moving into the area today accompanied with a 30% chance of rain. After the weather system moves through, there will be steady drying in the area through Wednesday afternoon and later this week.
For smoke forecasts and safety, visit: oregonsmoke.org.
Closures: Area closures remain in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County.
Closures are put into place for the safety of the public and fire crews; intrusion into a closure area can disrupt fire suppression and repair activities, endanger lives and property, and can result in fines. Closure information is at: https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024.
Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; please use caution with all potential ignition sources. For prevention tips see: https://keeporegongreen.org. The Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect for the Whisky Fire: https://tinyurl.com/2s49yrj4. Fire restrictions are in place on the Mt. Hood National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire.
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