Mt Thielsen Fire Reaches 69% Containment

The Mt Thielsen Fire up by Diamond Lake is now 9,971 acres and 69% contained. Evacuations The evacuation level is at Level 2 “SET” for the Diamond Lake area. Authorized residents and permit holders are allowed to enter the area. Road guards are at checkpoints around Diamond Lake to restrict access to unauthorized users. Visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s website for the most current information. Current Situation Two consecutive days of rain and high humidity allowed for expedited containment. Yesterday, crews continued to construct handlines, secure and mop-up containment lines, and pull hose. Today, firefighters will work to hold and mop up along the western edge of the fire. Handcrews and engines will continue to construct handline from Cinnamon Butte to Hwy. 138 and to identify containment opportunities along the northern edge of the fire. Crews will construct handline, cold trail and mop up along the fire edge and continue to identify contingency containment opportunities along the southeastern edge of the fire. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are being implemented in the fire area. Closures Road Closures: Hwy. 138 is open with pilot cars escorting traffic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to mitigate risks to fire resources working along and adjacent to the roadway. For the latest road conditions, visit www.tripcheck.com. The route to Miller Lake via FS Road 9772 remains closed from the intersection with Hwy. 97 to the intersection with FS Road 110 due to firefighter traffic. Drivers are being directed to take FS Road 9774 to connect with FS Road 110 as an alternative route. Forest Closures: The Umpqua National Forest is currently at Industrial Fire Precaution Level III. No industrial operating waivers will be issued. The Fire Adjective Class is High. Temporary emergency closure orders remain in effect for all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Cottage Grove Ranger District: ORDER NO. 06-15-01-20-423, Tiller Ranger District ORDER NO. 06-15-02-20-422, Diamond Lake Ranger District ORDER NO. 06-15-03-20-420 and North Umpqua Ranger District ORDER NO. 06-15-06-20-421. Flight Restrictions: A new, smaller temporary flight restriction goes into place at 8 a.m. today to provide a safe environment for fire-fighting aircraft operations. Weather and Fire Behavior The area is expected to receive early morning wetting rain. By 11 a.m. winds will increase 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7195/