Riley Fire Update, July 8, 2024: Riley Fire operations aided by heat-sensing technology

July 08, 2024 Posted by: Alaska Incident Management Team

Riley Fire Update, Monday, July 8, 2024
432 acres, 31% contained, 231 personnel

Riley Fire operations aided by heat-sensing technology

HEALY, Alaska – Crews continue to secure the fireline on the Riley Fire. Due to higher resolution mapping, the fire size was determined to be 432, rather than 388 acres. Two hotshot crews secured the border around a large island of unburned vegetation within the fire. That additional line kept the percent of containment at 31%, even though the fire area is larger.

On Sunday, firefighters used unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with infrared sensors to detect heat signals in the interior of the fire. The UAS were able to identify remaining hot spots and pinpoint their location so that firefighters could extinguish them. Crews will continue this operation on Monday.

Weather: Cool and humid conditions are forecast for Monday, with the potential for isolated, light rain. Tuesday will be the start of a warmer, drier weather pattern.

Park Opening:   At 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, the National Park Service and Denali National Park Tours Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture will welcome visitors back to the park. Normal park operations will resume, apart from Riley Creek Campground, Riley Creek Day Use Area, and the Horseshoe Lake Trail, which will remain closed due to firefighting support activities in the area. Go to the Denali National Park and Preserve website for closure information. 
Park Information Line: 907-683-9532, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., daily.

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:  Evacuation status in the Denali Borough has been lifted. As of Saturday, July 6, the Denali National Park and Preserve campus housing area was lowered to Green-Ready status. Anyone in GREEN areas should stay alert and monitor for evacuation status updates. No areas outside the Denali National Park and Preserve are in an evacuation status. Go to the Denali Borough website for more information.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the Riley Fire until July 19. Find more information at: 4/7281 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).