Evacuation orders are currently in effect for several areas east of Tok due to active fire activity linked to the 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222), which is situated about three miles west of Mile 118 on the Tok cut-off and approximately nine miles southwest of Tok.
Residents in the Butch Kuth Ave, Osprey, Moose Nugget, and Goshawk Rd areas have been placed under a GO (Level 3) evacuation order. This warning comes as the fire burns half a mile west of these neighborhoods, prompting authorities to urge residents to evacuate immediately.
Fire crews, alongside Alaska State Troopers, are diligently ensuring that roads remain clear to prioritize public safety during this critical situation.
Meanwhile, residents living off Butch Kuth Ave and Jack Wade Rd should be prepared for potential evacuation, as their neighborhoods have been placed under a SET (Level 2) status. Authorities advise these residents to pack essential items, secure their pets, and gather important documents in anticipation of a possible escalation in the fire’s threat level.
In addition, several neighborhoods off Mukluk in Tok are currently classified under a READY (Level 1) status. While these areas are not facing an immediate threat, it is recommended that residents create or review their evacuation plans, pack a “go bag,” and stay informed by monitoring local alerts and updates.
The 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222), which is situated nine miles southeast of the Tok cut-off, continues to show activity with a noticeable spread to the east and south as reported on Sunday.
Crews utilizing dozers have made significant progress by constructing dozer lines from the fire’s edge to the Tok cut-off, making it easier for firefighters to access the area. This connection considerably boosts containment measures and establishes a defensible perimeter along the road.
Air resources have also been deployed to support ground suppression efforts, including one single-engine air tanker and one Type 2 helicopter.
These aerial resources have been effective in dropping water on the Seven Mile Lookout Fire, helping to reduce its impact and spread.
In the established GO evacuation regions, firefighters are actively working to protect homes and essential infrastructure. The Tok Fire Department has played a pivotal role in this effort, supplying nearly 20,000 gallons of water to help protect structures on Goshawk Road and the surrounding evacuation zones.
Fire crews have implemented sprinkler systems, wetted vegetation around residences, and cleared brush to create defensible spaces, all of which enhance local humidity levels and help slow the fire’s potential advance towards properties.
These protective measures are crucial in decreasing risk to homes and ensuring that firefighters remain safe during suppression operations.
Additionally, the Tok River Fire (#289), which was discovered on June 21st and located roughly ten miles south of the Tok cut-off, was scouted on Sunday and reported to have reached 132 acres. Currently, there are no immediate threats posed by this fire, and continuous monitoring will be maintained.
Other fires in the area include four active blazes burning in limited suppression zones, located around 18 miles north of the Alaska Highway and approximately 37 miles northwest of Tok, east of the Taylor Highway. Presently, these fires, including the merged Ladue River Fire (#275) and River Trail Fire (#276) covering 14,410 acres, are not threatening any nearby communities or structures.
A community wildfire meeting is scheduled for today, June 23, at 6:00 PM at the Tok Dog Mushers Association Hall, located at 1311 Alaska Highway, Tok, AK 99780. Representatives from the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection will provide updates on the 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222), current evacuation levels, and information on nearby fires. Community members are encouraged to attend to gather the latest information directly from fire managers.
For more information, residents can reach the Statewide Fire Information line at (907) 356-5511.
image source from：akfireinfo
