Progress is being made on efforts to contain the Riley Fire, active in the entrance area of Denali National Park and Preserve. Fire crews continue to focus their efforts on the fire’s southern flank, the portion of the fire closest to facilities and infrastructure. As of Wednesday morning, July 3, crews report 25% containment. Fire size remains stable at an estimated 388 acres, with low fire activity overnight. Cooler and calmer weather is helping crews with containment efforts.
As of early Wednesday, two additional helicopters have been deployed to assist fire crews, bringing the total to four. An additional wildland fire crew has joined efforts on the ground with two interagency hotshot crews already engaged on the incident, and a strike team of engines has been added in efforts to secure both flanks. Two fire investigators are on site to investigate the cause of the fire.
Park tour and transit bus service remain suspended. All visitor facilities and park trails remain closed, and the park remains inaccessible to private vehicles and day use visitors. Park campgrounds closed at 11:00am today.
Although park operations remain suspended, local businesses in the area are still open and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many other opportunities to recreate in the Denali area. Additional information can be found at denalichamber.com.
Cooperation between the Denali Borough, National Park Service, and all cooperating agencies has been fantastic and has contributed to the success of fire management operations thus far.
As of yet, there is no anticipated date as to when park facilities will reopen or operations resume.
Stay informed about Alaska’s current wildfires, red flag warnings, and more by visiting https://akfireinfo.com.
View of the Riley Fire at 7:30 AM on Wednesday morning, July 3. A mosaic fire pattern can be seen on the ridge above businesses located in the Nenana River Canyon. This is a typical pattern in wildfire propagation. NPS Image/Ollig.