Evacuations Remain In Place For Mukluk Fire In Tok

 

3,000 Acres Burned As Of Tuesday Morning And 20 Homes Are Reported To Have Been Damaged

BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION on AUGUST 18, 2026

Smoke rises from the Mukluk Fire outside the Tok Forestry & Fire Protection office. August 17th. Photo:E Johnson

THE FIRE IS NOW ESTIMATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3,000 ACRES. EARLY REPORTS INDICATE APPROXIMATELY 20 HOMES HAVE BEEN DAMAGED, AND ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES REMAIN THREATENED TODAY. THESE NUMBERS MAY CHANGE AS CREWS GATHER MORE INFORMATION AND ASSESS THE DAMAGE. 

Evacuation map for the Mukluk Fire #487.
Click to view or download a PDF 

The Mukluk Fire (#487) was first reported shortly before noon on August 17 in the backyard of a residence off the Alaska Highway near Sundog Trail. The fire grew rapidly due to strong winds and extreme fire behavior. The priorities throughout the response have been protecting lives, protecting the community and slowing the fire’s spread. 

Level 3 GO! evacuations remain in place north of the Alaska Highway from Mackenzie Trail to East 5th Street, including Red Fox Drive. Do not enter the fire area or evacuation zone. Active fire, downed powerlines, falling trees and hidden ash pits continue to make the area dangerous. 

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From the initial report, the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection responded with all available local, regional and statewide resources. Firefighters, engines, smokejumpers, helicopters, dozers and local fire departments were engaged as the incident grew. 

More firefighters and equipment continue to arrive, smokejumpers, air tankers, water scooping aircraft and helicopters are enroute. Crews are continuing to fight the fire and protect homes and other structures. An incident management team has been ordered and is traveling to Tok to help coordinate the response. 

A water bucket being held by a helicopter is brought over the Mukluk Fire. Photo: John Rusyniak