Tok DMV closed Wednesday as Mukluk Fire evacuation continues

The Tok Division of Motor Vehicles is shut today. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities said all state executive branch offices at 1314 Alaska Highway in Tok, listed as the Tok Division of Motor Vehicles office, are closed Wednesday under a mandatory evacuation. The department has not said when they will reopen.

The Mukluk Fire started August 17 near Sundog Trail off the Alaska Highway, damaging or destroying about 20 structures. As of the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection's 10:30 p.m. Tuesday update, the fire was 16 percent contained, with satellite mapping putting it at 5,077 acres, down from the 5,533 acres given earlier that day. The state said smoke and cloud covered part of the fire's northern and northeastern edge, so the acreage is expected to change as mapping improves.

Level 3 GO evacuation orders remain in place north of the Alaska Highway from Mackenzie Trail to East 5th Street, including Red Fox Drive. The division has warned residents not to enter the evacuation area, saying returning can put people at risk and delay firefighters still working active hazards there. Shelters are open at Tok School and the Tok Dog Mushers Association hall.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster emergency for the Alaska Gateway REAA, authorizing Public Assistance for infrastructure repairs and Individual Assistance for residents' disaster-related expenses. Residents have until October 19 to apply for Individual Assistance.