ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Authorities now say a wind-whipped wildfire that erupted last week on the west side of Tok destroyed nearly four dozen homes.

The tally of 44 homes burned down more than doubles an early count of structures damaged or destroyed released last week. Officials believe the fire that blew through neighborhoods in the Interior Alaska community was sparked just before noon Aug. 17 by a downed power line.

Strong winds blazing through tinder-dry forests created a fast-moving inferno that gave some residents barely enough time to flee with the clothes they wore. The Mukluk fire blew up from a half-acre to thousands of acres within hours.

By this week, more than 16 families had asked for online donations to help with rebuilding and other costs, according to a Facebook post summarizing ways the public can help. Those requests alone encompass dozens of people ranging in age from babies to a woman living on her own at more than 90 years old.

The new count only reflects residences lost: Other structures such as barns, garages and outbuildings aren't even included yet, according to Sam Harrel, a spokesman for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Tok, an unincorporated community within 100 miles of the Canadian border, has a little over 1,500 residents.

Many burned-out residents are now keeping a wary eye on the colder weather that's just weeks away. Some lost not only shelter but also winter food supplies.

Residents within the fire area are not yet allowed to return, fire managers say.

By Tuesday, about 350 people were staffing the fire that measured 7,260 acres and was considered 29% contained, according to a state fire update. Evacuation orders shrank to the fire's footprint as crews worked to extinguish any hot spots within 50 feet of structures, roads or driveways, officials said.

Residents won't be allowed back into the evacuation zone until all the homes within the fire zone are "ready for reentry," the fire's operations chief, Abe Davis, said during a recorded briefing Tuesday morning. That's to avoid a flood of people coming back in before crews finish dropping trees along roads and other work in residential areas, he said.

Rain was expected by Wednesday.

The American Red Cross of Alaska gave out shovels, rakes, cleanup kits and other supplies on Tuesday in Tok and planned to do the same Wednesday.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster last week. The state opened a disaster assistance center this week at the Tok Visitor Center to help people whose primary homes or essential property was damaged or lost, state disaster officials say. People can register in person Tuesday and Wednesday. They can also register online or by calling 844-445-7131.

_____

© 2026 Anchorage Daily News. Visit www.adn.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.