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Riley Fire

Unit Information

Alaska 
Fort Wainwright, 
Alaska 
99703 
Alaska 
Fort Wainwright, 
Alaska 
99703 

Incident Contacts

Alaska Interagency Fire Information
Phone: 907.356.5511
Denali National Park and Preserve Information
Phone: 907.683.9532
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Highlighted Activity

Riley Creek Campground to Reopen TomorrowFinal Riley Fire UpdateHEALY, Alaska – Active fire suppression activities were completed Saturday afternoon and, in cooperation with the National Park Service, two popular trails reopened last night. The Horseshoe Lake Trail and the Mount Healy Overlook Trail are both now open. With most fire crews departing today and tomorrow, the Riley Creek Campground… Read more
Publication Type: News -

An aerial view of the Riley Fire at Denali National Park and Preserve showing the burned area, part of a river and mountains in the distance.

As of July 14, 2024 this page will no longer be updated unless there is significant new activity. As of that date the fire was completely contained and a small group of firefighters was monitoring the fire area. For current fire information on this or any Alaska wildfires, please visit akfireinfo.com or call the Alaska Interagency Fire Information Office at 907.356.5511.

Riley Fire History

At 12:30 pm on Sunday, June 30, 2024 a fire was reported about one mile north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, west of milepost 239 Parks Highway in the Nenana River Canyon. No structures were immediately threatened. The fire was burning in black spruce, alder, and birch in steep terrain near the Alaska Railroad. Evacuation orders were issued for Denali National Park and partner employees residing in some housing areas near the park entrance and the park was temporarily closed because of the threat posed by the fire.

On Wednesday, July 10, the National Park Service and Denali National Park Tours Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture welcomed visitors back to the park. Normal operations have resumed.

Basic Information
Current as of Mon, 07/15/2024 - 15:09
Incident Time Zone America/Anchorage
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause undetermined
Date of Origin
Location One mile north of Denali National Park entrance
Coordinates 63° 45' 8'' Latitude
-148° 54'
52
'' Longitude
Current Situation
Total Personnel: 5
Size 436 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 100%
Estimated Containment Date 07/31/2024
Fuels Involved

Timber (litter and understory)

Hardwood litter

Black spruce and alder

Outlook
Planned Actions

Continued use of an Uncrewed Aircraft (drone) to identify any remaining hot spots in close proximity to the fire lines and mitigate as necessary.

Remarks

The planned end-state for this incident is: 
- The Riley fire poses no future threat to infrastructure and values in Denali National Park and Preserve
and the surrounding area. 
- Suppression repair needs have been evaluated and addressed to meet the needs outlined in the
suppression repair plan. 
- All remaining closures are lifted and full access to previously closed areas are open. 
- Until a fire season ending even occurs, the fire is right sized to continue monitoring for potential fire
and erosion activity across the fire area.