Single Publication

Riley Fire Update, Sunday July 7, 2024
388 acres, 31% contained, 225 personnel

Progress on the Riley Fire results in a path to normal operations

HEALY, Alaska – There is more containment line again today on the Riley Fire — now at 31%. The line encompasses most of the southern and eastern perimeter. Denali Borough lifted the evacuation status and residents who were evacuated can return home. Denali National Park and Preserve is also in the process of moving staff back into the park and will reopen on Wednesday, July 10.  

Some remaining smoke was detected in drainages on the northeastern edge of the fire. Crews are working to extinguish them and increase containment. Starting Sunday, firefighters’ attention will turn to the green islands within the fire perimeter. The Riley Fire is what firefighters refer to as a dirty fire. There is a mix of burned, partially burned, and unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter. There is also a deep layer of duff consisting of roots, leaves, needles, twigs, and other organic matter that allows the fire to smolder and spread underground. When the fire burns tree roots, wind can easily blow them down — particularly the strong winds we’ve been experiencing over the last few days. The trees fall against each other and in every direction. Over the next few days, firefighters will be assessing where hot spots remain in the fire and will extinguish them.

Weather: Light rain is expected on Sunday as another low pressure moves through the area. Cool weather and higher humidity will continue through Monday. Warmer and drier conditions are expected to return on Tuesday.

Evacuations:  Evacuation status in the Denali Borough has been lifted. No areas outside the Denali National Park and Preserve are in an evacuation status. Go to the Denali Borough website for more information.  

🟥 Red – Go! There are no areas currently in RED status. 

🟨 Yellow – Set: There are no areas currently in YELLOW status.

🟩 Green – Ready: There are no areas in the Denali Borough, outside of the Denali National Park and Preserve boundary, in GREEN status. As of Saturday, July 6, the Denali National Park and Preserve campus housing area is being lowered to Green-Ready status. Anyone in GREEN areas should stay alert and monitor for evacuation status updates. 

Park Closures:   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 operations will resume, with the exception of Riley Creek Campground and Day Use Area and the Horseshoe Lake Trail, which will remain closed due to ongoing firefighting and support activities in the area. Go to the Denali National Park and Preserve website for closure information. Park Information Line: 907-683-9532, 8 am-4:30 pm, daily.

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).