High Temps, Winds Contribute To Danger Of 12 Human-Caused Fires In Tok In September
Tok Fire Investigation Expands as New Holdover Fire Emerges BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION on SEPTEMBER 3, 202...
Tok Fire Investigation Expands as New Holdover Fire Emerges
Tok Division of Forestry & Fire Protection firefighters have remained on high alert due to high fire danger and the previous 11 human-caused fires that occurred last week.
Yesterday, September 2, at 4:50 p.m., firefighters at the Pump Station Lookout spotted light, wispy smoke south of the Alaska Highway near the gravel pit. Two engines, a Prevention Officer, and a helicopter immediately responded to the North Gravel Pit Fire (#542).
Although the smoke dissipated, Pump Station Lookouts guided the helicopter, which was able to locate several blackened trees and direct ground firefighters to the fire’s location. The fire was an estimated 20’ x 30’ and was burning in spruce and tundra, with several large spruce trees having been torched. Firefighters were able to get water on the fire and complete mop-up to extinguish any heat. The fire has been contained and controlled.
Fire investigators are now looking into 12 human-caused fires, including the North Gravel Pit Fire, which was found in the same general location as the previous human-caused fires. More investigators are arriving today, September 3, to assist with the investigation and monitor for additional holdover fires. These fires can smolder underground for days or even weeks after the initial spark, especially in northern black spruce and tundra ecosystems where the organic soil is dense. Holdover fires can go undetected until dry, windy conditions cause them to reignite and spread to the surface, making them appear as a new fire.
The Tok area’s high fire danger is expected to continue throughout most of the week due to high temperatures and windy, dry conditions.
Human-caused fires are preventable, so the public is urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. These fires can be started by unattended campfires, debris burning, the use of chainsaws, improperly discarded cigarettes, sparks from dragging chains, and hot mufflers that come into contact with dry fuel. If you see unsafe burning or a new fire, please report it. Every effort to prevent wildfires helps protect our communities.
If you have information about any of these fires, please contact the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Tok Information line at (907) 505-0362. To remain anonymous, you can submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app.
