Wind topples more than two dozen trees onto Tok power lines

More than two dozen trees came down on power lines across Tok this week. Alaska Power & Telephone shut off power to the affected lines so crews could work.

Some of the trees were green, standing outside the Mukluk Fire's burn scar. The hazard is not confined to the burned area. Residents and businesses face outages and blocked roads beyond the fire zone.

"Residents should remain alert for fallen trees and power lines throughout Tok," the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection said Sept. 10. "Stay away from any downed line or tree touching a power line and do not attempt to remove it."

Strong winds Wednesday paused suppression repair north of Red Fox Drive, where fire-weakened trees have little root left and can fall without warning. Crews left that timber to clear fallen trees from roadways and to watch for trees threatening power lines.

The burned area north of Red Fox Drive remains unsafe for hunters. Falling trees, ash pits, unstable ground and pockets of heat persist there.

The fire started Aug. 17. It has burned 7,339 acres and is 45% contained, with no growth since Aug. 27. Gusty winds flared hotspots within the burned perimeter on the western flank, sending smoke visible from town. Thirty-one personnel remain assigned.

The fire destroyed 50 single residences and 108 secondary structures. An Aug. 17 notice reported a downed, arcing power line. An Aug. 29 update said AP&T had restored main lines, though some residents still lacked electricity.

Residents cleaning fire-damaged property should not bury hazardous debris, which can contaminate nearby wells. The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Team Rubicon are helping landowners, with recovery applications and disposal guidance available online.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference Type 2 crew and two excavators were set to resume repair where conditions allow. Fire season in the Delta, Tok and Copper River areas runs through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14. Burn permits are required. Residents should report fire or smoke to 911, not the local forestry office.