Troopers arrest Tok man accused of harassing firefighters on ATV

A man on an ATV harassed firefighters working the Mukluk Fire near Tok on Tuesday, prompting a report that led troopers to arrest him hours later.

Alaska State Troopers arrested Patrick Cleary, 69, of Tok about 2:14 p.m. after a REDDI report of an intoxicated man on an ATV harassing crews in the area. He faces charges of driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a chemical test, reckless driving and disorderly conduct. He was held on $2,000 bail at Fairbanks Correctional Center pending arraignment. The charges are accusations, and Cleary is presumed innocent.

Alaska State Park Rangers, troopers, federal law enforcement assigned to the Mukluk Fire and Village Public Safety Officers responded.

As of Aug. 19, the fire stood at 5,077 acres and 16% contained, with 167 personnel assigned. Level 3 evacuations remain in effect north of the Alaska Highway from Mackenzie Trail to East 5th Street. Prior coverage put the fire at 5,533 acres Tuesday, with about 20 homes damaged. At an Aug. 18 community meeting in Tok, Northern Region fire management officer Rob Allen said "it's been hot and dry here in Tok for, well, all summer."