Mukluk Fire Tops 1,500 Acres as Level 3 Evacuations Hold West of Tok
Updated
Updated · youralaskalink · Aug 18
Mukluk Fire Tops 1,500 Acres as Level 3 Evacuations Hold West of Tok
3 articles · Updated · youralaskalink · Aug 18
Summary
More crews reached the Mukluk Fire by 9 p.m., but evacuations remained in place west of Tok with no timeline for residents to return.
Rain helped moderate fire behavior, yet the blaze was still actively burning and spreading east and northeast after growing from about 20 acres at noon to more than 1,500 acres by 7 p.m.
Four helicopters, smokejumpers, engines, dozers and firefighters were assigned or en route, focusing on direct suppression and structure protection as overnight operations continued.
Officials said both highways were still open, but warned that downed powerlines, falling burned trees and ash pits made the area dangerous; a temporary flight restriction was requested and drones were barred.
The fire was reported shortly before noon in a residence's backyard off the Alaska Highway near Sundog Trail, where hot, dry and windy conditions had prompted a Red Flag Warning.