Wildfire investigation opens near Tetlin at zero acres

Fire officials are tracking a new wildfire near Tetlin, east of Tok, logged on Aug. 22 and classified as under investigation — the fire has been confirmed, but its cause and size have not been established. There is no report of a cause, threatened structures, or an evacuation.

Nearby, the much larger Mukluk Fire continues to burn west of Tok, a separate blaze with no established link to the Tetlin fire. As of the latest update, it had grown to about 7,260 acres and was 29% contained, with more than 300 personnel assigned. Rain over the weekend let officials lift the lower-level evacuation warnings, though a reduced Level 3 "Go" zone remains north of the Alaska Highway, roughly from Sun Dog Trail to East 5th Street. The fire has destroyed more than 20 structures since it started Aug. 17, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster.