Tok suspends burn permits ahead of Chickenstock festival

Fire managers suspended burn permits in the Tok Fire Prevention Area on June 11, 2026, citing continued hot weather, lack of rain, and the influx of people traveling to the Chickenstock event.

The suspension, issued by the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, prohibits burning of debris piles, lawns, and use of burn barrels. Cooking and warming fires are still allowed if conducted with extreme caution. Fire managers said they want to limit escaped debris piles and burn barrels to keep firefighting resources available for the increase of visitors to the Fortymile Country.

The suspension will remain in effect until conditions change. Permit holders are required to monitor changing conditions by calling the Tok permit hotline at 907-883-1413 for the current status.

The Division had previously suspended burn permits in both the Tok and Delta Fire Prevention Areas on June 4 due to elevated fire danger from dry conditions and warm temperatures.

State law requires anyone conducting open burning on state, private, or municipal lands between April 1 and August 31 to obtain a burn permit from the Division of Forestry.