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Link to Spanish Translated Version - Enlace a la versión traducida al español 

Size: 1,352 acres

Start Date: July 20, 2024

Cause: Human – Under Investigation

Location: 6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR

Containment:  0%

Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass

Highlights:

Thunderstorms early yesterday morning brought isolated rainfall and lightning with no new fire starts detected near the Whisky Creek Fire. Firing operations were attempted in the northeast corner of the fire, but conditions on the ground were not receptive to fire. Crews continued to improve primary containment lines in preparation for firing operations and contingency lines to the east were improved through the day.

Operations:

Helicopters dropped water along the southeastern edge of the fire to cool the area down and reduce fire spread.  Crews plan to conduct firing operations again today with the goal of removing fuels and reducing fire spread potential beyond containment lines. Ground ignitions may be supplemented by aerial ignitions to areas within containment lines to reduce risk exposures to firefighters. Construction and strengthening of primary line and contingency lines continues.

Fire Behavior and Weather:

Warm and dry weather is forecasted to continue and fire activity is expected to be moderate, with creeping and smoldering behavior through early afternoon. Increasing fire activity and smoke production is expected in the early evening as fire fuels dry through the day. Smoke reports specifically for the Whisky Creek Fire area 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. 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:

• Approx. 497 personnel, 14 hand crews, 6 engines, 5 water tenders, 2 dozers, 5 masticators, 3 skidders, 1 feller buncher, and 1 helicopter.  
                        

Contact Information:                                                                                                                          

Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov       

Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M