Whisky Creek Fire Update: July 30
From U.S. Department of Forestry:
Size: 891 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
Total Personnel: 284
Highlights:
The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team assumed command of the Whisky Creek Fire on Monday, July 29, 2024. Precipitation occurred over the fire area yesterday, moderating fire behavior. Cloud cover will diminish today over the fire as onshore flow continues, and warmer temperatures begin to develop over the region. Recent rain will continue to limit the growth of the fire and minimize smoke production.
Operations:
Crews continue to prepare containment lines and clear roads and trails to the south along the Rainy-Wahtum Trail #409 from Rainy Lake to Wahtum Lake and continuing to the Pacific Crest Trail approximately one mile to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burn area. Crews are clearing thick brush along roads with the assistance of masticators to create fire breaks. To the east of the fire, crews continue to strengthen contingency lines working towards the Hood River County Forestry Kingsley area.
Fire Behavior and Weather:
Recent rain is expected to minimize fire activity. Warmer and drier temperatures are predicted to move into the region later this week and are expected to increase fire activity and smoke production.
Road and Trail Closures:
The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area have expanded a joint emergency closure for the fire area to include the Pacific Crest Trail and areas south of I-84. Closure information can be found at: Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Hood River County has closures in effect for Kingsley Campground, Kingsley Road, Dead Point Road, and Green Point Road. Viewable on their website.
Total Fire Resources Assigned:
Approx. 284 personnel
6 hand crews
4 water tenders
3 dozers
5 masticators
3 helicopters
Contact Information:
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov
Phone: 514-208-1743 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)