On August 17, 2026, the Mukluk Fire rapidly ignited near Tok, Alaska, destroying more than 50 homes. When an evacuation order was issued, NMS employees at the Manh Choh Campus quickly put safety first, evacuating the camp and stepping up to support others as the situation continued to change.
Team members remained calm, helped with fire watch, transportation, meal delivery, and emergency communication. They also knocked on doors to make sure residents, including those who were sleeping, were aware of the evacuation.
NMS Camp Manager, Grace Graves, was recognized by the client for her professionalism and leadership throughout the response. She helped ensure evacuation procedures were carried out safely and efficiently while keeping employees and residents at the forefront. Director of Operations, Greg Whiteside, supported communication and coordination behind the scenes.
The team relied on individual experience to make safe decisions. When meals needed to be delivered, Maintenance Technician Steve Spencer’s knowledge of the Tok area and personal wildfire experience helped determine where it was safe to travel. NMS used available meals and supplies to support the response without placing additional demands on local resources.
NMS employees demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and a willingness to help wherever they were needed—while understanding the importance of knowing their limits and keeping safety at the center of every decision.
We are proud of how our Manh Choh team represented NMS during the Mukluk Fire. Thank you to everyone who helped keep our people, our client, and our community safe!
