A wildfire in the eastern Interior Alaska community of Tok has damaged 20 homes and prompted evacuations orders for the north side of town. Fire officials said that the Mukluk Fire, which broke out Monday morning and had grown to about 4.5 square miles by Tuesday morning, was still spreading to the east and northeast.
The Mukluk Fire was reported shortly before noon on Monday in the backyard of a home on the Alaska Highway, near milepost 1316. GO-level evacuations are underway on the north side of town, from Mackenzie Trail to Fifth Street.
Officials are encouraging evacuees to go to the local Mushers Hall and the Tok School. Pets are being accepted in both locations.
The Alaska Highway remained open as of Tuesday morning.
Sam Harrel, a spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, said hot, dry, and windy weather has made the situation dangerous. In a brief phone interview on Tuesday, he said he couldn’t say to what extent the 20 homes had been damaged. But he cautioned people to avoid the area entirely so that firefighters can work safely.
An Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection press release also said the area is unsafe, with downed power lines, weakened trees, and conditions that could change quickly.
Harrel said over 100 firefighters from around the state are working to control the main fire as well as new flareups nearby.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.