Wind topples two dozen trees onto Tok's power lines, stalling fire recovery

More than two dozen trees came down on power lines across Tok on Wednesday, knocking out electricity to parts of the fire-scarred community and forcing the utility to cut power to the affected lines so crews could work.

Some of the fallen trees were green and healthy, standing well outside the Mukluk Fire's burn scar — a sign of how hard the wind hit. "Residents should remain alert for fallen trees and power lines throughout Tok," state fire officials warned, telling people to stay clear of any downed line or tree touching one.

The same wind stalled the fire recovery. North of Red Fox Drive, crews had to pause the work of repairing bulldozer lines and other firefighting damage, because fire-weakened trees there have little root left in places and can topple without warning. That burned area remains unsafe — for recovery crews and hunters alike — with falling trees, ash pits, unstable ground and lingering heat.

The Mukluk Fire, which started Aug. 17, has burned about 7,300 acres and is 45% contained, with no growth since late August. It destroyed 50 homes and more than 100 secondary structures. Gusty winds this week flared hotspots inside the burned perimeter, sending up smoke visible from town.

For residents cleaning up, officials are cautioning against burying hazardous debris, which can contaminate wells — including those serving neighboring properties. State emergency-management staff and the disaster-relief group Team Rubicon are helping landowners, with recovery applications and disposal guidance posted at linktr.ee/2026MuklukFire.