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Holding the line while the weather shifts on the Twelvemile Lake Fire

By 2025 Twelvemile Lake Fire on July 7, 2025

Aerial view of a wildfire burning along a forested ridge. Multiple columns of white and gray smoke rise from several active fire fronts, spreading through dense trees on the northern perimeter of the Twelvemile Lake Fire. In the distance, a large smoke plume towers over the landscape, with rolling hills and mountains extending into the horizon under a partly cloudy sky. — View of northern perimeter edge growth on the Twelvemile Lake Fire. *Nolin Page, IC- Idaho Team 1*

Fire activity increased slightly on Sunday, with both the Twelvemile Lake (#220) and Sand Lake (#292) fires showing some growth. Twelvemile Lake Fire is now estimated at 21,986 acres, an increase of 2,330 acres. The Sand Lake Fire has grown to 6,006 acres, up by 818 acres. Total personnel remains at 62, and incident objectives are unchanged.

Crews observed isolated fire activity overnight and into the day, particularly in areas of black spruce and white spruce on the northern perimeter of the Twelvemile Lake fire that produced visible smoke columns. Some short uphill runs and light spotting occurred but were largely held in check by natural features and fuels. Helicopter reconnaissance confirmed most fire movement stayed within expected areas, with no management action points crossed. In wildfire operations, a management action point is a predetermined location or condition on the landscape that prompts a specific tactical response or change in strategy, such as moving resources, initiating evacuations, or transitioning to a new suppression phase.

Wildfire map showing the perimeters of two active fires in Alaska as of July 6, 2025. The larger fire, labeled "220 – Twelvemile Lake," covers 21,986 acres and is located north of Lake George. The smaller fire, labeled "292 – Sand Lake," covers 6,006 acres and lies southeast of Twelvemile Lake near Sand Lake. The map includes surrounding landmarks such as Twelvemile Lake, Healy Lake, Dot Lake Village, and the Alaska Highway with mileposts marked in green. Land ownership is color-coded, showing areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Department of Defense (DOD), and others. A small inset map provides geographic context within the greater region near Delta Junction and Fort Greely. The wildfire perimeters are outlined in red. — Public information map of Twelvemile Lake and Sand Lake fires. View printable PDF of map

Yesterday the crew positioned at Sand Lake worked near an allotment boundary to contain a hot spot, with water from helicopter bucket drops, and saw line work to prevent further spread. Elsewhere, pumps remain operational and ready should conditions warrant.

With rain in the forecast and increasing humidity, the team is preparing for the potential to begin crew shuttles and backhaul missions from the remote camps. Divisions are coordinating plans for sling loads, aircraft, and boat support, with execution likely depending on Monday’s weather.

Weather Outlook:
Showers will continue through Monday, becoming widespread by afternoon with isolated thunderstorms possible. Winds will be out of the west at 5–8 mph, gustier near storms. Highs will reach the mid-60s with humidity climbing to 58%. Conditions are expected to remain cloudy and wet throughout the week.

View printable PDF of update