Thielsen Fire Reaches 26% Containment

The Thielsen Fire is presently at 9,916 acres and 26% contained. Fire was discovered on Sept. 8 at 0830 PDT. The cause is unknown. Evacuation level was changed to Level 2 “SET” yesterday for the Diamond Lake area. Authorized residents and permit holders are allowed to enter the Diamond Lake area. Road guards are placed at checkpoints around Diamond Lake to restrict access to unauthorized users. Visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s website for the most current information. Progress continued around the fire area yesterday with firefighters taking advantage of overnight humidity recoveries. Resources continued to construct and secure firelines along the southern and western edges of the fire. They also worked to secure around the Cinnamon Butte Tower and communications site with a sprinkler system. Similar to previous operational periods, firefighters will continue to protect critical infrastructure and secure and hold the fire’s southern edge near the northern boundary of Diamond Lake. They also will continue to secure and mop up along containment lines and improve the defense of structures around the Cinnamon Butte communications tower. On the southeastern edge of the fire, crews will construct handline, cold trail and mop up along the fire edge and continue to identify contingency containment opportunities. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are being implemented in the fire area. Road Closures: The Oregon Department of Transportation reopened Hwy. 138E (North Umpqua Highway) yesterday at noon. 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 temporary flight restriction remains in place from the surface up to and including 10,000 feet to provide a safe environment for fire-fighting aviation operations. Today a cold front approaches the region. Southwest winds will increase throughout the day with gusts likely surpassing 30 mph on exposed ridges. Winds will remain gusty overnight with showers moving in from the west. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7195/ The route to Miller Lake via FS Road 9772 remains closed from the intersection with Highway 97 to the intersection with FS Road 110 due to firefighter traffic. Drivers are directed to take FS Road 9774 to connect with FS Road 110 as an alternative route.