Riley Fire Update, Thursday, July 11: Regular Park Operations in Full Swing

July 11, 2024 Posted by: K. Mikulla

Riley Fire Update, Thursday, July 11, 2024
432 acres, 96% contained, 205 personnel

Regular Park operations in full swing at Denali

HEALY, Alaska – Normal operations have resumed in 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, remain closed due to firefighting support activities. These include:
- Riley Creek Campground
- Riley Creek Day Use Area
- Horseshoe Lake Trail
- Mt. Healy Overlook Trail

Go to the Denali National Park and Preserve website for additional information. Park Information Line: 907-683-9532, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., daily.

Firefighters continue to prioritize heat along the small uncontained area of the fire. Aerial resources are assisting firefighters by providing infrared heat imagery and bucket drops on some of the partially burned sections. They will continue by focusing on any heat in or near unburned vegetation. A type 3 organization has assumed command of the Riley Fire this morning, with many Alaska Incident Management Team 2 members remaining to assist with fire management.Note that the power outage which occurred on Wednesday morning in the Denali Borough area was unrelated to the fire.

Weather: A weak weather system will bring cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and an increased chance of rain on Thursday, July 11. This system will quickly pass, with Friday returning to warmer and drier conditions. Strong southerly winds will also develop Friday and sustain through the weekend. Winds will ease Monday as quiet weather returns.

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.