Single Publication

Riley Fire Update, Saturday, July 6, 2024
388 acres, 25% contained, 196 personnel

The Riley Fire gains containment

HEALY, Alaska – The Riley Fire is now at 25% containment, encompassing the southeast edge and northernmost tip. Fire managers are confident that the fire will not cross the containment line, shown black on the map. Crews are working to extend the containment line by going further into the burned area and extinguishing heat. 

Although the fire may not look very active, a deep layer of organic matter, or duff — roots, leaves, needles, and twigs — continues to smolder. The fire has burned in a mosaic pattern. Some areas are burned black, some trees are partially burned, and large areas within the fire perimeter remain unburned. The result is that a tree canopy remains, which can prevent rain from reaching the ground. The recent rain showers have helped with humidity and cooler temperatures, but vegetation, which is fuel, remains dry. 

Weather: Showers on Thursday and Friday dropped about a quarter of an inch of rain on the fire. More rain is likely for Saturday and Sunday that could bring totals for the week near half an inch. Wind gusts on Friday measured in excess of 40 mph. Wind gusts on Saturday could be even stronger. Temperatures will remain cool through Sunday, with highs near 60°F and relative humidity above 40%. Warmer and drier weather is predicted to resume early next week.

Evacuations:  Evacuation status has not changed. The Tri-Valley Community Center is the Evacuation Information Center. Go to the Denali Borough website for more information.  

? Red – Go! All Bison Gulch and Antler Ridge hikers, Riley Creek Campground, and all employees housed at the Denali National Park Joint Venture facility, National Park Service Campus Housing, and Admin Camp: ANYONE IN RED AREAS SHOULD EVACUATE. 

? Yellow – Set: There are currently no locations in “set.” 

? Green – Ready: The Nenana Canyon area (aka Glitter Gulch), Denali National Park Headquarters, C-Camp. Anyone in GREEN areas should stay alert and monitor for evacuation status updates. 

Park Closures:   All visitor facilities and park operations in Denali’s entrance area are closed. Future dates will be assessed based on fire activity. The park will remain closed to personal vehicles and day use visitors until further notice. Employees evacuated from park housing are being sheltered in various facilities in the nearby town of Healy. Park officials continue to work closely with the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team, Denali Borough, and other partners to ensure everyone is taken care of. Go to the Denali National Park and Preserve website for closure information.  

Road conditions:  The Parks Highway remains open. Go to https://511.alaska.gov/ for road condition updates. 

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).