The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is investigating a series of recent human-caused fires located near Tok, Alaska. Since August 28, a total of 11 confirmed fires have been discovered within a two-mile stretch between mile markers 1319 and 1321 of the Alaska Highway.
Fire investigators from the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, with the assistance of the Alaska State Troopers, have determined that the fires are human-caused, as there have been no recent lightning strikes in the area. The fires, burning in black spruce and tundra, were contained to less than one acre each due to the rapid response of local fire crews, including Tok Forestry & Fire Protection engines, the Tok Volunteer Fire Department, and the National Park Service module.
These fires come during a period of high fire danger in the Tok area, where burn permits have been suspended due to high temperatures and windy, dry conditions. While firefighters were successful in containing all of the fires and protecting nearby infrastructure, these incidents serve as a critical reminder of the importance of fire prevention.
Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in this investigation. If you have any information about any of these fires, please contact the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection at (907) 505-0362. If you have information but would like to remain anonymous, you can submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app.
The Tok area remains in a high fire danger forecast throughout most of the week. Human-caused fires are preventable, and the public is urged to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution with any activities that could cause a spark.
There can be many different reasons why human-caused fires start, including campfires, debris burning, the use of chainsaws, improperly discarded cigarettes, and sparks from vehicles or equipment. Every effort to prevent wildfires helps protect our communities.
All fires from this cluster of new fire starts have been contained and controlled. A fire investigator is conducting a thorough examination of the area and all the fires.
Fires Responded to on August 31
40277 Rd 2 (#539) was responded to as a new smoke report that has smoldering tundra near the previous 40277 Rd Fire (#524). The fire was contained at less than an acre. (This fire is not pictured in the current map)
Fires Responded to on August 29th
1319 Alaska Highway Fire (#528)
1320 Alaska Highway Fire (#537)
Fireweed St 2 Fire (#533)
Pump Station Road Fire (#530)
Pump Station Rd 2 Fire (#532)
Fires Responded to on August 28th
Gravel Pit Rd Fire (#523)
40277 Rd Fire (#524)
MP 1320 Fire (#525)
Fireweed St Fire (#526)
MP 1321 Fire (#527)
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 