Alaska’s Mukluk Fire Grows to Nearly 5,500 Acres as Evacuations, Disaster Aid Continue

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s disaster declaration unlocks aid for affected residents as firefighters confront dangerous spruce-fueled flames and protect communities around Tok in Alaska’s eastern interior.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 8/18/2026, 11:56:51 PM EDT

Alaska’s Mukluk Fire Grows to Nearly 5,500 Acres as Evacuations, Disaster Aid Continue — Section of boreal forest stands in front of mountains in the Alaska Range during the melt season near Delta Junction, Alaska on May 3, 2023. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A wildfire burning near Tok in Interior Alaska has expanded to an estimated 5,533 acres, prompting continued evacuation orders, a state disaster declaration and an active firefighting response involving multiple agencies.

The blaze, designated the Mukluk Fire, was most active along its northern and northeastern edges, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection said in an update Tuesday posted to social media. Crews reported the fire had not yet reached the Tanana River, with the most intense activity occurring in stands of continuous spruce on the northeastern flank.

Earlier the same day, Alaska State Parks had put the fire's size at approximately 3,000 acres, illustrating how quickly the blaze grew Tuesday afternoon.

On the fire's southern side, firefighters, supported by multiple helicopters conducting water drops, focused on shielding homes and other structures. The division said resources are positioned throughout the fire area and are actively engaged in both suppression work and structure protection.

Evacuations and Law Enforcement Support

Level 3 "GO" evacuation orders remain in place north of the Alaska Highway, spanning from Mackenzie Trail to East 5th Street and including Red Fox Drive, according to Alaska State Parks. Officials warned residents against entering the fire zone or evacuation area, citing hazards that include active flames, downed power lines, falling trees, and hidden ash pits.

Alaska State Park Rangers have joined the response in Tok, working alongside the Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to help keep firefighters and the public safe.

Alaska State Parks said its "thoughts are with the Tok community, and everyone affected by the fire," and directed residents to akfireinfo.com for ongoing updates on fire activity and evacuation status.

A community meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Tok Dog Mushers Association, with a recording to be posted afterward to the division's Facebook page and YouTube.

State Disaster Declaration Activates Aid Programs

Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration also Tuesday for the Alaska Gateway Regional Education Attendance Area, which includes Tok, triggering the state's Public and Individual Assistance programs, according to an Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management press release.

The individual assistance program offers grants for housing repairs, temporary housing, replacement of essential personal property, disaster-related medical or funeral costs, and vehicle repair or replacement. The public assistance program is intended to repair damaged public infrastructure and reimburse emergency protective measures.

Affected residents have until Oct. 19 to apply, either online at ready.alaska.gov or by calling the disaster assistance hotline at 1-844-445-2044. Applicants are encouraged to document damage with photos and video, retain recovery-related receipts, and file insurance claims immediately, since the state program cannot duplicate private insurance benefits.

Two evacuation shelters have been established in Tok—one at the Tok Dog Mushers Association, 1311 Alaska Highway, and another at Tok School on Jon Summar Drive off the Tok Cutoff Highway.