Yesterday, after a delay for firefighter safety due to unfavorable weather conditions, the handline on Tomlike Mountain ridge was successfully connected to the fire’s edge, with air resources assisting ground crews on reconnaissance missions.

Due to slick conditions on Tuesday, Aug. 27 following early morning rain showers crews were unable to complete the line along Tomlike Mountain Ridge. Mastication or forest vegetation grinding was completed on contingency lines to the southeast and crews continue to improve lines in these areas.

Yesterday, crews monitored the west side of the fire in the Herman Creek area, observing no fire activity. Hand crews continued work on the Tomlike Mountain ridge control line, while on the southeast edges, firefighters monitored and patrolled containment lines.

Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and monitor along the fire’s contained edge, confirming old spot fires have been completely extinguished. Hand crews extended control lines north on the Tomlike Mountain ridge as mastication efforts along Forest Road 2810 were completed.

Dr. Kathleen Wilder has become North Central Public Health District’s (NCPHD) Public Health Officer, replacing Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg, who has served as the Health Officer for both Hood River County Health Department and NCPHD since May 2023.

Yesterday, crews successfully constructed over half a mile of new fireline near Tomlike Mountain, removing hazard trees while coordinating closely with resource advisors.  Resource advisors are subject-matter experts, helping firefighters identify and protect natural and cultural features.

Yesterday, crews confirmed that the southern line options were not suitable as control features and were found unsafe due to terrain hazards. However, options near Tomlike Mountain were identified as more feasible and line construction began.

Today, crews will work to strengthen established containment lines. Heavy equipment operators will utilize masticators, skidders, and feller bunchers to process suppression-generated debris, converting it into more manageable and less flammable material.

Heavy focus remains on the southeast edge of the Whisky Creek Fire where crews have been able to perform fire suppression activities more directly. The Dozer line has been completed and firefighters are continuing to construct the handline.

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.

Hot and dry weather yesterday further dried out forest floor fuels and led to a slight increase in fire activity. A helicopter was used to drop water along the northern edge of the fire to mitigate any potential flare-ups along the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire area while crews continued work on containment lines to the south.

Moderate fire behavior was observed over the fire yesterday. A ridge of high pressure will build over the region today bringing warmer and drier temperatures to the area. Visible increased smoke production is expected. There have been no recent IR flights over the fire. The acreage size of the fire will be updated as information becomes available.

Gorge Grown Food Network joins farmers and organizers across the county in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4 - 10, 2024. Gorge residents are invited to join in on the fun with numerous opportunities to shop at local farmers’ markets this week.

Crews took advantage of a break in fire activity brought on by cool, wet weather to continue work on contingency lines across the area south of the fire. Fire activity is expected to increase in the next few days as hot and dry conditions return to the area. Forest visitors are reminded to stay out of closure areas to allow crews to safely prepare protective barriers to the surrounding forest and local communities.

The Microwave Tower Fire, burning 5 miles west of Mosier, has grown to 1,306 acres with 53% containment. The fire, which started on July 22, 2024, is believed to be human-caused and is still under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, timber, and grass.

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.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) is seeking interested candidates for openings on the MCEDD Board of Directors, particularly those involved with Agriculture, or the Food and Beverage Industry.

A passion for helping others, and seeing the life-changing work done in both the public health and non-profit sectors guided the career path of recently retired North Central Public Health District Director Shellie Campbell.

Ben Mitchell is selected to take the seat held by the late Tim Counihan. Lawsuit brings ammendment after City’s short-term ordinances is hit with allegations of discrimination towards property owners living out of state.

Candidate filings are still being accepted for Hood River Mayor and three City Councilor positions. The filing deadline is no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, and voters will choose in the November 5, 2024, General Election. Paul Blackburn is currently the Mayor and Mark Zanmiller, Megan Saunders, and Gladys Rivera hold the Council seats that are in play.