Single Publication

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Fires

Sept. 1, 2024

Whisky Creek Size: 2,086 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment 75%

Total Resources: 521 | Hand Crews: 7 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 11 | Helicopters: 4

Fire suppression continues on the Whisky Creek Fire, six miles southeast of Cascade Locks, OR and the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, nine miles southwest of Ripplebrook, OR. The fires are located in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the incident’s top priority. This Labor Day weekend please help prevent wildfires and protect firefighters by recreating responsibly, respecting fire closures, and complying with all fire restrictions. Firefighters, fire engines, and other resources have been identified on both the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires if needed to assist local land management agencies with new initial attack fires in the area.

Whisky Creek:  An aerial reconnaissance flight yesterday found some smokes visible on the fire where limited pockets of fuels are still smoldering. Firefighters are continuing to patrol control lines and monitor for any fire movement. Spotters are spread out near Green Mountain and along the Trail #408 to watch for any increased fire activity while ensuring the Eagle Creek fire scar continues to form a barrier to fire growth on the north flank. Fire managers are coordinating with resource advisors to assess the repair needs on fire control lines; these assessments identify fire suppression repair work that will be needed to return forest roads and trails back to their pre-fire condition. Firefighters are also continuing work on light repairs to fire control lines as needed. 

Sandstone and Blister Creek: The Blister Creek Fire remained quiet yesterday. The reconnaissance flight indicated no significant fire activity over the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, although isolated smokes are visible and are expected to continue on the Sandstone Fire. With the increased temperatures this holiday weekend, firefighters remain vigilant and ready to respond to any uptick in fire behavior or to assist with a new fire start. Work continues on FSR 7010 and the 160 Spur to repair impacts from heavy fire equipment during these last few weeks. 

Weather and Smoke: Temperatures will cool by a couple of degrees, but very hot and dry conditions will persist. This afternoon brings a two-day reprieve with some cloud cover and increased relative humidity. Air quality conditions will fluctuate but remain good for both fire areas. 

Closures: Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County closure information can be found at https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024. Please respect area closure orders for your safety as well as the safety of our firefighters.

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; please use caution with all potential ignition sources. For prevention tips visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. The TFR has been modified and remains in effect for both fires: https://bit.ly/3T59VWv. 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.