September 18, 2020 11:30 a.m. 

The Thielsen Fire, burning near Diamond Lake, is nearly 10,000 acres and is 15 percent contained.

The latest update from staff with the U.S. Forest Service said firefighters are focusing on direct attack where possible, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and securing and holding the fire’s southern edge near the boundary of Diamond Lake. Crews are also securing and mopping up control lines. Staff is securing Cinnamon Butte communications tower and are working to improve structure defense around that tower. Air operations are dropping retardant to protect the Cinnamon Butte Lookout as weather conditions allow. Firefighters are using heavy equipment to create lines around the fire and will conduct firing operations when fire behavior and time permits.

Temperatures are lowering with higher humidity. Forecast precipitation should stall fire behavior. Thunderstorm development could produce winds gusts of up to 50 miles per hour. Warmer and drier conditions will gradually return, potentially causing increased fire behavior.

Level 3 “GO” evacuations remain in place for Diamond Lake, Lemolo Lake and the Toketee Ranger Station areas. 329 people are assigned to the fire.