Overview: Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, at approximately 8:30 AM, firefighters responded to a wildfire in the Mount Thielsen Wilderness. The fire began in the tree line near the Pacific Crest Trail within the
Diamond Lake Ranger District. The east wind event caused the fire to run northwest and jump Highway 138 E. The Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team arrived Saturday, September 12th, to transition
command from local resources on the Umpqua National Forest and give local units time to rest so they can respond to new fires.
Current Situation: Due to current weather conditions and smoke inversion over the local area, fire activity has moderated and has provided firefighters a great opportunity to gain ground in preparation and
containment efforts. Emphasis is on keeping the fire footprint as small as possible, while protecting critical infrastructure within the immediate fire area.
Weather & Fire Behavior: A dry cold front is forecast to approach the region. Some light rain is possible along the coast but most of the region will remain dry. South to Southwest wind gusts coupled with low
relative humidity is expected to bring critical fire weather. Forecasted weather conditions continue to challenge firefighters.
Air Quality and Smoke Impacts: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency and the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency issued an air quality advisory Thursday for all regions of Oregon due to current wildfires. DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until Monday afternoon. Smoke levels are fluctuating between unhealthy and hazardous in these areas.
When smoke levels are hazardous, residents need to take steps to protect themselves including: avoiding outdoor activities, staying inside if possible, and using high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. For more information, visit www.Oregon.gov.
Evacuations: A Level 3 “GO” Evacuation Order remains in effect for all homes, cabins, recreation sites and the lodge at Diamond Lake. Visit Douglas County Sheriff at www.dcso.com for current evacuation information.Visitor Information: Digit Point Lake Campground located on the Chemult Ranger District, Fremont Winema National Forest, remains open at this time and is not under an evacuation order. Campers are advised to check the areas they are interested in going to before entering. Visitors to the area should be mindful of posted speed limits when driving and watch out for firefighters, equipment, and emergency personnel.
Area Closures: Temporary emergency closure orders are 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.
Road Closures: Oregon Highway 138 East remains closed from the west end of Glide (Little River Road intersection, MP 17 at the Green Bridge) to the
Oregon Hwy 230 (West Diamond Lake Highway, MP 83) junction. Only local traffic and emergency vehicles will be allowed through. For the latest road
conditions, visit https://www.tripcheck.com.
For Additional Fire Information:
Email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.
