Fire Activity and Operations: The spread potential for the fire is still high and firefighter safety remains a concern due to limited access, steep terrain and spread towards Cinnamon Butte. Today, crews will focus on direct attack, point protection for critical infrastructure and securing and holding the southern edge of fire near the northern edge of Diamond Lake. Smoke over the fire is inhibiting air operations although some missions were able to be completed yesterday. Execution of planned containment lines along the western edge will require hand crews where dozers cannot be used.
Closures and Flight Restrictions: Highway 138 E is closed. The Umpqua National Forest, including the Diamond Lake Ranger District, is closed until further notice due to unprecedented fire activity. The closure orders and associated maps are available on the Umpqua web page. Prohibitions include: being upon a closed road; going into or being upon a closed area; and being on a trail. A temporary flight restriction is currently in place to provide a safe environment for fire-fighting aviation operations.
Weather: Southwest winds, minimal cloud cover and temperatures in the low 70s will continue to support conditions for active fire behavior. Dry and breezy conditions are expected in the afternoon. Overnight recoveries should generally improve through the week. The trough responsible for the breezy winds will slowly move onshore over the next few days, with chances for light precipitation increasing from west to east, and a slight chance of thunderstorms tomorrow.