Power Restored in Nenana Canyon After Riley Fire – Alaska Wildfire Information

HEALY, Alaska – At 7 a.m., the Alaska Complex 2 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Ed Sanford assumed command of the Riley Fire, located in Denali National Park and Preserve, one mile north of the entrance. The Riley Fire is 5% contained. There was a miscommunication regarding the containment percentage, which was previously 25%. Although a significant area of ​​saw line is complete, it is not considered contained until we are confident that the fire will not cross that line. This typically means that 25 to 50 feet between the saw line and the fire area is completely extinguished. There has been no loss of progress; we continue to improve the line to achieve containment.

The Golden Valley Electric Association restored power to the Nenana River Canyon and Denali National Park at 8 a.m. after testing the lines overnight and deeming them safe. This allows businesses to reopen in the Nenana River Canyon while ensuring firefighting operations can continue safely.

Since the fire began on June 30, the initial response to the attack has been extensive. McKinley Village Volunteer Fire Department, Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and the Alaska Western Region Fire Management Team responded with resources. The Tanana Chiefs Initial Attack Team and 22 paratroopers from the Alaska Bureau of Land Management’s Fire Department were the first to attack, with two fire retardant drops along the southern edges of the fire and several water drops.

Current operations include the Tanana Chiefs and the Alta Interagency Hotshot Crew heading directly to the southern edge of the fire line from the railroad tracks to the west. On the eastern perimeter, the Smith River, Golden Eagle and Mill Creek Interagency Hotshot Crews are heading directly to the fire line, working their way through thick alder and birch on steep slopes. Paratroopers are being inserted into the northern “bowl” to head directly to the fire line at that location. Fire growth to the north is primarily following the black spruce cords to the upper rocky slopes of the terrain. Four helicopters will support firefighting operations, dropping water on remaining hot spots in the fire.

Weather report:A series of fronts will move through the region, bringing cooler temperatures, rain and high winds. The first of these systems is moving through today and is expected to bring rain to the fire for most of the day.

Smoke:Cooler temperatures and rain forecast today and over the weekend should help moderate smoke production. This should continue the overall trend of improving air quality. Winds will continue to blow from the southwest today, pushing smoke northeastward. Persistent smoke could potentially enhance the fog that is forming and impact visibility.

Evacuations:Some areas are under evacuation and the Tri-Valley Community Center has been established as an evacuation information center. Visit the Denali Borough website for more information.

Red – Go! All hikers in Bison Gulch and Antler Ridge, Riley Creek Campground, and all employees housed at Denali National Park Joint Venture facilities: EVERYONE IN RED ZONES MUST EVACUATE.

YELLOW – Together: There are currently no locations in “set”.

Green – Ready: Nenana Canyon area (also known as Glitter Gulch), Denali National Park Headquarters, Camp C. Anyone in GREEN zones should remain vigilant and monitor evacuation status updates.

Park closures:All visitor facilities and park operations in the Denali Entrance Area are closed. Future dates will be evaluated based on fire activity. The park will also remain closed to personal vehicles and day visitors until further notice. Employees evacuated from park housing are being housed at various facilities in the nearby town of Healy. Park officials continue to work closely with the Denali District and other partners to ensure everyone is accounted for. Visit the Denali National Park and Preserve website for closure information.

Road conditions:The Parks Highway remains open. Access road condition updates.

Temporary flight restrictions:A temporary flight restriction is in effect over the Riley Fire until July 15. For more information, see: 4/6067 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).

For more information, contact Riley Fire Information at (907) 921-2556 or [email protected].

Categories: Active Wildfires, Alaska Fire Information, Alaska NPS

Tags: Riley Fire