Sam HarrelAlaska Division of Forestry and Fire ProtectionDivision of Forestry & Fire ProtectionCouncil of Athabascan Tribal GovernmentsNational Weather Service

Mukluk Fire near Tok, Alaska forces evacuations; blaze expands to 1,500 acres as officials confirm structures destroyed.

The Mukluk Fire near Tok, Alaska, has rapidly expanded to 1,500 acres, prompting evacuation orders and destroying an estimated six to ten structures. The blaze, fueled by winds gusting up to 30 mph, has led to the opening of evacuation shelters as firefighting efforts continue.

cimss/ssec+2 sources18 August 2026 · 11:15 UTC
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The Mukluk Fire near Tok, Alaska, ignited late Monday morning and has since expanded to over 1,500 acres, prompting urgent evacuation orders. The fire, fueled by winds gusting up to 30 mph, has destroyed between six and ten structures, including homes and outbuildings.15

Evacuations began around midday for residents north of the Alaska Highway, specifically from Sundog Trail to Midnight Sun Drive. Authorities have opened two evacuation shelters: one at the Tok School and another at the Tok Dog Mushers Association Hall.467

Firefighting efforts are extensive, involving nine smoke jumpers, a helicopter, and local fire departments, as well as resources from the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments. The fire was initially reported at around 11 a.m. and quickly grew from a half-acre to an estimated 100 acres by afternoon. By 7 p.m., it had expanded significantly, running parallel to the Alaska Highway toward the Tanana River.

The cause of the fire is believed to be a downed power line near Red Fox Drive, although investigations are ongoing. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area, citing hot, dry, and windy conditions, with fire danger rated as “Very High”.

Key Insight
“The Mukluk Fire has prompted Level 3 evacuation orders for residents north of the Alaska Highway, with shelters set up at the Tok School and Mushers Hall. Firefighters are battling the blaze with support from multiple agencies, while shifting weather conditions are aiding suppression efforts, though fire danger remains rated 'Very High.'”
CuriousCats studied:
1
cimss/ssec
“the Mukluk Fire near Tok, Alaska — which began around 1940 UTC on 17 August 2026.”
cimss/ssec →
2
Anchorage Daily NewsAnchorage Daily News
“A wind-pushed wildfire along the Alaska Highway in Tok on Monday destroyed structures and triggered evacuation orders as fire crews worked to halt its progress.”
Anchorage Daily News →
3
Alaska's News SourceAlaska's News Source
“A fast-moving wildfire ignited late Monday morning in the backyard of a home along the Alaska Highway near Sundog Trail, prompting evacuations and drawing a large-scale response from state, local and federal firefighting resources.”
Alaska's News Source →
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