Single Publication

Whisky Creek

Size: 1,743 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

Sandstone

Size: 588 acres, 0% contained

Cause: Lightning

Start Date: Aug. 5, 2024

Location: 9 miles SW of Ripplebrook, OR

Fuels: Timber and grass

Whisky Creek Highlights

Crews on the Whisky Creek Fire are holding the firelines established over the last two days and addressed a spot fire by H10. They began mop-up operations and completed the contingency line along the fire’s eastern edge.

Sandstone Highlights

Crews established fire control lines along the east and west perimeters of Blister Creek. Initial attack crews continue to put in handlines in response to increased fire activity on the northern edge of the fire.

Operations

Masticators and dozers continue work on the Sandstone Fire today. Crews continue to cut handlines in areas inaccessible to heavy equipment, especially on the western perimeter of the Sandstone Fire, and establish line on the eastern perimeter to 7010000 Road. Air operations continue on both fires, with Type 1 aircraft performing water drops.

Fire Behavior and Weather

A chance of thunderstorms is expected in the area through Monday; which will bring higher humidity, chances of rain, and lower temperatures. Meteorologists expect reduced fire activity today and tomorrow. There will be sustained wind in the area, with gusts up to 25 MPH on ridges. Crews will be on the lookout for spotfires.

Smoke is expected in the afternoon as fine fuels dry and become more receptive to burning.  Smoke forecasts specifically for the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fire areas 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 has closure information that 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, 4 initial attack crews, 4 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 dozer, and 4 water tenders
• Sandstone - 9 crews, 1 initial attack crew, 4 engines, 2 dozers, 4 masticators,
  and 2 skidgines                  

Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov, 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov

Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M