The Riley Fire continues to be active near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, causing park officials to keep the park closed Tuesday, July 2. Smokejumpers and fire crews, combined with strong support from aerial resources, have made significant progress, particularly along the fire’s southern flank.
The helicopter, using a large bucket suspended by cables from its belly, has been especially effective, according to firefighters on the ground. These helicopters draw water from a nearby lake and navigate through the narrow canyon to make dozens of water drops. Additionally, single-engine water scoopers, known as Fire Boss airplanes, are cooling the fire's edges.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue working near the fire's edge, using hoses to deliver water and cool down the fire. They have made good progress keeping the fire away from the Denali National Park and Preserve entrance a mile south and to the west of the Nenana River. They are concentrating their efforts on the southern end and the flanks while allowing the fire to burn up a hillside where it could reach a scree slope, and stop its progression.
Park tour and transit bus service will remain suspended on Tuesday, July 2. All visitor facilities and park trails remain closed, and the park remains closed to private vehicles and day use visitors. Campgrounds and backcountry units west of park headquarters remain open to visitors with existing reservations who are already at their campsites, but no additional campers are being allowed to enter the park.
The exact cause of the fire is unknown. A fire investigator will be brought in to conduct an investigation and provide more details on how the fire started. This person has not been assigned yet.
Stay informed about Alaska’s current wildfires, red flag warnings, and more by visiting https://akfireinfo.com.
The perimeter map of the Riley Fire as of 2:30pm on July 1, 2024. NPS Image
A helicopter dropping water from a bucket over an active region of the Riley Fire on July 1. NPS Photo/Ollig
View of the Riley Fire from the Nenana River Canyon near the McKinley Chalet Resort at 5:30pm on July 1. NPS Photo/Ollig