The Tok Forestry and Fire Protection Division fire department responded to a fire south of the Alaska Highway near the gravel pit Tuesday, according to Alaska Wildland Fire Information. Firefighters first got word of the fire when they saw wispy smoke south of the highway from the Pump Station Lookout. The fire was about 20’ by 30’ and torched several spruce trees. Ground crews and a helicopter were able to contain and put out the fire.
This fire comes as Tok firefighters are already on high alert after last week’s 11 human-caused fires. Alaska Wildland Fire Information said this increases the number of human-caused fires to 12, as this one took place in the same general location as the previous fires.
More investigators arrived Wednesday to help with the investigation and monitor for additional fires. The Tok area’s high fire danger is expected to continue throughout most of the week due to high temperatures and dry conditions. Crews will also be looking for holdover fires in the days ahead. Holdover fires smolder underground for days or weeks after the initial spark, according to Alaska Wildland Fire Information. Holdover fires can go undetected until dry, windy conditions, like those in the Tok area now, cause them to spread to the surface.
