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Structure protection remains key focus as crews increase containment of Mukluk Fire

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on August 22, 2026

A firefighter wearing bright yellow shirt and hard hat uses a hose to spray down burned brush. — *A Type 2 Nulato Hills Contract Crew firefighter hoses down burned brush along the southwestern edge of the Mukluk Fire on Aug. 21, 2026. Photo by J. Hale/AKCIMT*

Acres: 7,287 Containment: 22% Location: Tok, AK Start Date: Aug. 17, 2026 Fuels: Black Spruce, Shrubs, Grass Personnel: 246

Highlights: Firefighters, including crews from across Alaska and Yukon, Canada, took advantage of a second day of cooler, wetter weather to increase containment and continue aggressively mopping up around structures within the fire’s perimeter. Please stay out of GO! evacuation areas to give emergency responders the space they need to address the numerous hazards that remain, including hot spots, fire-weakened trees, and damaged power infrastructure. Although recent rainfall has moderated fire activity, duff layers remain dry and continue to retain heat, making them susceptible to flare‑ups as the sun comes out and temperatures rise throughout the day. There will be a community meeting at 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Tok School.

Operations: Along the southern edge, firefighters from departments across Alaska, as far south as Girdwood, the nine-person Chevak Crew from Southwest Alaska, two 10‑to-11‑person CATG modules from Northeast Alaska, firefighters from Canada, and the Tanana Chiefs Type 2 Initial Attack Crew from Tok are concentrating their efforts on protecting surviving structures. Crews are extinguishing remaining hot spots, removing hazardous trees, setting up sprinkler systems, and clearing brush around structures to reduce the likelihood of any further losses.

Meanwhile, firefighters are strengthening an almost 5‑mile dozer line along the western edge up to a riparian area. On the eastern side, the Type 2 Nulato Hills Contract Crew, with firefighters from Selawik and Nulato, is working behind heavy equipment to secure direct line through heavier fuels. More crews will join others on the fireline in the next couple of days.

Smokejumpers contained two spot fires on an island and one other across the Tanana River. Engines will continue patrolling the evacuated area through the night to provide ongoing structure protection.

A dirt path wide enough for a car cuts through a wooded area of mostly aspen trees. — A dozer line was constructed on the eastern edge to within a mile of the Tanana River. This photo, taken Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, shows a northern section of the line cutting through aspen trees that regenerated after a 1990 burn. Photo by J. Hale/CIMT.

Weather & Fire Behavior: Weather will remain similar to Friday, with temperatures a bit warmer under increased sunshine and humidity expected to dip below 30%. Winds are forecast at 8 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. As the sun comes out and temperatures rise later in the day, smoke may become more noticeable during periods of increased surface heating and fire activity.

Download a PDF copy of the Aug. 22 Mukluk Fire Update update.

Mukluk Fire Information: