September 3, 2025
Tok, Alaska – Due to the 12 human-caused fires discovered in the area over the past several days, the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) is continuing to carefully assess the area for any holdover fires, bolster investigation efforts, and ensure firefighter and community safety. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 5/7445) has been established over this area to minimize risks during aerial operations.
On Wednesday, September 3rd, the Mat-Su and NPS Alaska Range crews began the task of gridding the area south of the Alaska Highway between MP 1319 and 1321. Gridding consists of firefighters lining out within sight of each other while walking through an area looking for hot spots or holdover fires. This is a challenging task due to the dense black spruce, downed jackstraw trees, and uneven footing in the tundra.
Additionally, a DOF Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) drone and operator arrived and began gridding the same area from the air. The drone has the capability of taking videos and detecting heat signatures. The resulting aerial assessment will be analyzed to determine if any further action is needed.
The investigation of the recent 12 human-caused fires has been bolstered by the addition of two more Fire Investigators working in the area. 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 may submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app.
Gridding by the crews and drone operations will continue to ensure that there are no additional hotspots in the area. Any holdover fires are immediately located and mopped up to prevent any fire spread. The Tok DOF engines continue to patrol the area and staff the lookouts. The Tok DOF Area’s helicopter contract has been extended; it will continue to be staged at Tok Forestry to support surveillance and suppression efforts as the dry, warm, windy conditions continue in the area.
A helicopter flight on the evening of September 3rd completed a surveillance flight on three fires. The Alcan Fire (#540) is showing light, wispy smoke and will be monitored. The Desper Creek Fire (#519) is still actively burning on a peninsula and is expected to continue until the snow arrives.
The 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222) occasionally produces smoke due to the burning fuels located mostly within the perimeter of the fire. This is expected and is not a danger to significant fire perimeter spread. If you see smoke that is determined to NOT be within the fire perimeter, call 911. The Eagle Trail Road and 7 Mile Lookout Road remain closed until further notice.
As of September 1st, Burn Permits are no longer required. Safe burning Statutes & Regulations are in effect and enforceable year-round. More information may be found here: https://forestry.alaska.gov/Assets/pdfs/burn/2019/statutes & regs combined for burn webpages.pdf
If you are planning to burn brush, please call your local forestry office with your address so they know to expect smoke in the area. Carefully consider weather conditions before proceeding with your burn.
Click here for a downloadable PDF of the Tok Fires Update
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 