On April 3, 2007 at approximately 1844 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Tok along with AST patrol units, Tok EMS, Tok area DOT and the Tok
Volunteer Fire Department responded to Wadsworths Texaco and Auto Repair at mile 1313.9 Alaska Highway for a report of a structure/residential
fire. Upon arrival of Troopers it was observed that the rear of the building was fully engulfed. Due to large amounts of fuel and other
flammable items an area of approximately 1/4 mile was evacuated of several hundred onlookers and bystanders and traffic on the Alaska
Highway was re-routed for approximately 2 hours. Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from destroying overhead power lines which supply
1/2 of the town of Tok with electricity. The structure could not be saved and is a total loss. Damages estimates will exceed $500,000 and
there were no injuries. Initial investigation has revealed the fire likely started as the result of an electrical short near a rear outside
wall.
