September 17, 2020 10:30 a.m.

The Thielsen Fire burning near Diamond Lake is over 8,600 acres and is 1 percent contained as of mid-morning Thursday.

The latest update from staff with the U.S. Forest Service said level 3 evacuations remain in place for the Diamond Lake, Lemolo Lake and Toketee Ranger Station areas.

Thursday crews are focusing on direct attack where possible, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and securing and holding the fire’s southern edge near the northern boundary of Diamond Lake. Air operations will drop retardant for the protection of the Garwood Butte Lookout as weather conditions allow. Fire fighters will use heavy equipment to create lines around the fire. They will also conduct firing operations when fire behavior and weather permits.

339 people have been assigned to the fire.