Favorable weather conditions allowed for a mapping mission yesterday by a local Type 3 helicopter. This is the first updated mapping since June 22. While the acreage has increased, fire behavior remains minimal. The Sand Lake Fire (#292) is now mapped at 4,893 acres, and the Twelvemile Lake Fire (#220) is at 18,744 acres.
Resources remain focused on point protection of structures and Native allotments around Sand Lake. Overhead from the Teakean Type 2 Initial Attack Crew were shuttled into the area to meet with the Division Supervisor and assess the work area. Crews are also continuing structure preparation efforts near Lake George.
Firefighters are also continuing point protection work around Healy Lake, safeguarding structures and Native allotments in the event the Twelvemile Lake Fire shifts from its current smoldering and creeping behavior, especially as weather conditions transition from cooler and wetter to hotter and drier.
The operations section is developing a plan of action based on identified values at risk and is establishing trigger points for alternative actions should fire activity increase.
Warmer and drier conditions were observed over both fire areas yesterday, with isolated torching noted on the southeast end of the Sand Lake Fire. Similar weather is forecast for today. There are currently 57 personnel assigned to the two fires.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 