Power lines suspected in Mukluk Fire as investigators examine catastrophic Tok-area blaze

By THE ALASKA STORY

Aug. 23, 2026 – The Mukluk Fire near Tok was likely sparked by downed power lines, according to initial reports, but state officials say the cause will remain officially “under investigation” until an extensive multi-agency review is completed.

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection said early information indicated the human-caused fire began in connection with power lines. Investigators have not yet issued a final determination, however, and are continuing to examine all potential causes before releasing an official report.

The distinction is important, according to the division. Fire investigators follow a scientific process that includes collecting witness statements, photographs, maps, weather data and physical evidence. They use that information to develop and test theories before settling on a cause or determining that the available evidence supports several possibilities without establishing one conclusively.

The investigation comes as firefighters brace for gusty northwest winds Sunday that could complicate suppression work and create dangerous conditions across the fire area.

Sustained winds of 10 to 12 mph, with gusts reaching 28 mph, are expected to topple fire-weakened trees. Officials warned that falling trees could strike firefighters or members of the public, block roads and cut off escape routes.

About a quarter-inch of rain fell over the fire area overnight. Cooler temperatures, cloud cover and higher humidity are expected to moderate fire behavior, although the rain was forecast to taper Sunday morning as winds increased.

Dozer-line construction is mostly complete along the eastern and western flanks of the fire. Most firefighters, including recently arrived hand crews and engine crews, will concentrate on cooling hot spots, removing unstable trees and clearing brush around homes and roads.

That work will be halted if wind-driven hazards make conditions too dangerous.

A substantial amount of heat remains in the southeastern corner of the fire, where several crews were assigned Sunday. Additional engines from around Alaska, along with the Smith River and Redding hotshot crews from California, are joining firefighters in the southern portion of the fire.

Their work includes protecting structures that survived the fire, removing dangerous trees and strengthening containment lines.

Smokejumpers are reinforcing approximately five miles of control line on the western side. Dozers and the Nulato Hills crew are performing similar work along the eastern edge. Both operations require extensive chainsaw work to clear fallen trees.

Because the Mukluk Fire caused catastrophic damage in and around Tok, the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection assembled a multi-agency investigative task force.

The team is led by a nationally accredited state fire investigator, assisted by a State Parks ranger who is training as a wildfire investigator. Two veteran Cal Fire investigators specializing in wildland-fire investigations are also assisting.

It is the first time the Alaska division has partnered with Cal Fire on an investigation of this kind involving a complex wildland-urban interface fire that prompted large-scale evacuations and damaged or destroyed multiple structures and pieces of infrastructure.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also joined the investigation. ATF is providing technical assistance and training at no cost to the state, including origin-mapping technology, photogrammetry, high-resolution spatial mapping and forensic analysis used in major fire investigations around the country.

State officials said the partnership will not only strengthen the Mukluk investigation but also expand Alaska’s ability to investigate future wildland fires.

A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Tok School gymnasium.

The Mukluk Fire information line is open from 8 am to 8 pm at 907-505-0362. Questions may also be sent to 2026.Mukluk@firenet.gov. Additional updates are available at the Mukluk Fire information page.