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Riley Creek Campground to Reopen Tomorrow

Final Riley Fire Update

HEALY, 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 and Riley Creek Day Use Area are scheduled to reopen tomorrow, July 15th. Crews have been using Riley Creek as a staging and base camp area.

The Riley Fire has not been declared “out” but it is 100% contained. Reported acreage increase due to more accurate mapping. Smoke may still be visible from time to time inside the fire lines. Yesterday fire crews finished extinguishing all hotspots located 300 feet or closer to the perimeter. This “mopped up” area will help keep any remaining fire inside the perimeter if the fuels dry out and there is renewed fire activity in the days ahead. A small group of fire personnel will remain assigned to the fire after most personnel depart today and tomorrow. This group includes firefighter/pilots who will use an un-crewed aircraft to continue looking for hotspots that may exist in the deep duff layer on the forest floor. These firefighters will be ready to take appropriate suppression measures if the need arises.

“On behalf of the fire personnel, I’d like to thank the local community and the National Park Service for their patience and cooperation during the Riley Fire,” said Incident Commander Trainee Scott Beninati. “We’re happy things are returning to normal for both the visitors and residents,” he added.

Visit the Denali National Park and Preserve website for current trail and road conditions. For information regarding the fire area, contact Denali National Park at: 907-683-9532, 9 a.m. - 4:00 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 on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Contact the investigative 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 reduced. Find more information at: 4/7281 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).