432 acres, 96% contained, 146 personnel
Mop up operations continue to prove successful
Firefighters are presently searching for any remaining heat to a depth of 300 feet along the fire’s perimeter, with special focus on the short, uncontained section at the fire’s northwestern edge. Aerial resources continue to assist firefighters by providing infrared heat imagery and bucket drops on some of the partially burned sections, and they will continue focusing on any heat in or near unburned vegetation. Smoke may be visible within the fire, especially with increased southerly winds forecasted today.
Firefighters being transported by rail to the Riley Fire line. Photo courtesy of BLM Alaska Fire ServiceHEALY, Alaska – Normal operations remain in effect at Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali National Park Tours Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture and the National Park Service have welcomed visitors back. Some areas, however, are closed due to firefighting support activities. These include:
- Riley Creek Campground
- Riley Creek Day Use Area
- Horseshoe Lake Trail
- Mt. Healy Overlook Trail
Park Information Line: 907-683-9532, 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., daily.
Weather: Southerly winds will increase on Friday afternoon, averaging 10 to 15 MPH and gusting to 30 MPH. Chances of precipitation will increase again over the weekend.
Fire Investigation: The National Park Service is requesting information from anyone who may have witnessed the initial stages of the Riley Fire, specifically between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Anyone who was in the vicinity of the Horseshoe Lake Trail, Mt. Healy Trail, Sugarloaf Trail, or on the southbound passenger train during that time and has information relating to the fire should contact the Tip Line at 888-653-0009.
Evacuations: All evacuation statuses have been lifted.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the Riley Fire until July 19th but has been modified. The Denali air strip remains closed to public use. Find more information at: 4/7281 NOTAM Details (faa.gov). It’s important to keep all unidentified aircraft out of the TFR area.