Residents of the eastern Interior Alaska community of Tok have been ordered to evacuate their homes after a wildfire broke out this morning.
What officials are calling the Mukluk Fire was reported shortly before noon in the backyard of a home on the Alaska Highway, near milepost 1316. By early afternoon, the fire had grown to over 20 acres and was moving quickly toward the Tanana River.
Sam Harrel, a spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, said hot, dry, and windy weather has made the situation dangerous. He said in a brief phone interview that state troopers and firefighters are going door-to-door in the area north of the Alaska Highway and asking people to leave.
GO-level evacuations are underway on the north side of town, from Sundog Trail to Midnight Sun Drive.
Officials are encouraging evacuees to go to the local Mushers Hall, and they’re cautioning people to avoid downed power lines.
Harrel said a helitack team from Fairbanks has been dispatched to the fire along with fire engines from as far away as Mat-Su and Kenai. He was not able to confirm whether any homes or other buildings have burned.
A red flag warning is in effect for the Upper Tanana Valley, including Tok, until 7 p.m. Monday.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.