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Warm and dry conditions led to an increase in fire activity on the 7 Mile Lookout Fire and Tok River Fire

By 2025 7 Mile Lookout Fire on July 5, 2025

7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222)

Size: 3,120 acres Location: 7 miles southwest of Tok, AK.

Start Date: June 19, 2025 Cause: Lightning Containment: 54% Total Personnel: 119

Evacuation levels for neighborhoods near the 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222): Residents north of Butch Kuth Ave and on Jack Wade Rd are at READY (Level 1). Residents on Osprey, Moose Nugget, and Goshawk Rds are at SET (Level 2).

Yesterday’s Activities: Warm and dry conditions led to an increase in fire activity within the east section of the fire and interior of the perimeter, including torching of single black spruce trees and some short fire runs. Smoke was visible, but containment lines on the north perimeter where heat had been observed held, with northerly winds. Crews working in the southwest portion of the fire have been putting in significant effort, cutting a saw line through the dense spruce forest. Targeted bucket drops provided significant support to firefighters on the ground throughout the day.

Today’s Activities: Firefighters will begin prepping the 7 Mile Lookout Access Road today, with one crew starting at the north end and another at the south end. Targeted bucket drops remain focused on hot spots along the fire’s perimeter, as identified by drone flights (unmanned aerial systems/UAS).

A crew works on a smoldering dozer line — Crews are working on securing the containment line on the 7 Mile Lookout Fire

Tok River Fire (#289)

Size: 325 acres Location: 10 miles south of Tok, AK.

Start Date: June 19, 2025 Cause: Lightning Containment: 38% Total Personnel: 41

Activities – Yesterday’s Red Flag Warning brought dry conditions that contributed to increased fire activity in some areas and heightened smoke visibility. Today, the crew from Hawaii, supported by the tundra buggy, will continue making strong progress on the north side of the river, where the fire is burning in boggy terrain. Meanwhile, the Idaho crew remains on the south side and will continue to be ferried to strategic vantage points. Overall, the Tok River Fire has shown steady progress, with additional containment expected in the coming days.

A view of burned forest from a helicopter — Aerial photo of the Tok River Fire

Weather – Hot and dry conditions continue with highs of 75–80°F, relative humidity of 25–30% and easterly winds under a northerly flow. Cooler, wetter weather is expected tomorrow, with temperatures around 69°F and 40% relative humidity as southern moisture moves in.

Aircraft and Drone Restrictions – A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is still in place over the fire and will continue to be until further notice. The public is asked not to fly any type of aircraft, including drones, near the fire area. Unauthorized drone (UAS) flights pose serious risks to the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger.

Remember: If you fly, we can’t.