By SUZANNE DOWNING
Aug. 19. 2026 – The Mukluk Fire burning near Tok has grown to an estimated 5,077 acres and is now 16% contained, with the secured portion of the fire located within the community, according to the State Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Satellite mapping provided the latest acreage estimate, although heavy smoke and cloud cover obscured parts of the fire’s northern and northeastern edges. Officials said the acreage is expected to change as improved mapping becomes available.
There are now 167 personnel assigned to the Mukluk Fire, designated Fire #487. Tuesday’s firefighting efforts were supported by multiple air tankers dropping retardant, several helicopters and an air-attack platform. Two water-scooping aircraft were also headed to the fire. The arrival of retardant-capable tankers has significantly strengthened the aerial response.
No additional structures were reported damaged Tuesday.
The northwest edge remains the fire’s most active area, while crews continue working near homes along the southwest side. Dozers, smokejumpers, engine crews and other firefighters are constructing fireline through thick spruce on the western and northeastern sides.
The fire has crossed Red Fox Drive and continued moving northeast toward the Tanana River, but it has not crossed the river. Fire managers are evaluating homes, property and other values at risk along the river.
Cooler temperatures are expected later in the week, although forecasters are not predicting the kind of soaking rain that would substantially help firefighters.
Protecting residents, firefighters and property remains the priority. For Tok’s local firefighting staff, however, the emergency is also deeply personal.
“This fire is deeply personal for our Tok staff. Members of our team, including local leadership, lost their own homes while continuing to support the response and their community,” the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection wrote earlier. “We are incredibly proud of them, and our priority now is making sure they, their families and the entire Tok community have the support they need.”
Level 3 “GO!” evacuation orders remain in effect north of the Alaska Highway from Mackenzie Trail to East Fifth Street, including Red Fox Drive. Although the Alaska Highway remains open, residents have been warned not to enter the evacuation area.
Fire officials said returning residents can block access and delay crews. Active fire, hazardous materials, downed power lines, concealed ash pits and fire-weakened trees continue to present serious dangers within the evacuated area.
More than 100 people attended a community meeting Tuesday evening in Tok. A recording of the meeting is available on YouTube.
Officials also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support for people affected by the fire but asked the public not to send large donations or unsolicited supplies to Tok at this time. As a small community, Tok can quickly become overwhelmed by goods it does not have the capacity to receive, sort or store.
Local organizations and emergency-management officials will announce specific needs as they are identified. Until then, those wishing to help are being asked to wait for official requests.
