Whisky Creek & Sandstone Fire Update Aug. 13, 2024
Whisky Creek:
Size: 1,865 acres, 0% 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:
Crews responded to yesterday's increased fire activity by continuing to construct and improve the direct containment line on the north and east sides of the fire. Today crews will resume mop-up operations and proceed to scout for spot fires across the containment line.
Sandstone Highlights
:Yesterday, firefighters were able to stop small spot fires before they spread. Today, firefighters will continue to prepare and construct dozer and hand lines on the north and west edges of the fire, working up to Baty Butte. Crews will resume working on the control lines around Blister Creek.
Operations:
Today Sandstone Fire crews will use ground resources and aerial assets to build barriers along the flanks of the fire. Roads and ridges will be assessed for containment lines on the west and south flanks. Yesterday, equipment began building lines along the southern area of the fire and crews will continue to put in an indirect handline on the north portion of the fire. Crews will continue digging the handline around Blister Creek and securing the ridge. Fire personnel are also monitoring the adjacent Blister Creek Fire, which is at 16 acres with 0% containment.
Fire Behavior and Weather:
Cloud cover is expected to increase today along with low chances of light rain. The cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity (RH) values have helped reduce fire spread. Today's temperatures remain in the upper 50s to low 60s with minimum RH in the 50s. Winds will be more westerly and are expected to clear smoke in much of the outlook 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 are in effect. Hood River County has closure information that can be found on its 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, 4 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 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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