A wildfire near Denali National Park and Preserve’s entrance has led to the shutdown of operations within the park. The Riley Fire was reported across the Nenana River from the McKinley Chalet and Glitter Gulch. The fire quickly spread through black spruce, estimated to be about 350 to 400 acres in size. Ground crews, helicopters, and planes are actively working to contain the fire by dropping water and retardant.
Four hotshot crews from the Lower 48 are set to join the efforts to redirect the flames away from critical infrastructure like Alaska Railroad tracks, the Nenana River, the Parks Highway, and the park entrance. A Denali Borough evacuation notice has been issued for residents near the fire.
Precautionary measures have been taken by the Park Service, including relocating employees and evacuating the Riley Creek Campground. Visitors are not allowed entry into the park, with only a shuttle service available for hikers already in the backcountry. This wildfire comes almost a hundred years after the 1924 fire that swept through the area, making it the first significant wildfire in the park entrance area since then. The cause of the Riley Fire is still unknown.
Park spokesperson Paul Ollig expressed the significant impact of the fire on the park during its busiest time of the year, with the highest number of visitors. The situation remains fluid, with potential changes for visitors currently at campgrounds west of the entrance. The Park Service is actively monitoring and responding to the dynamic wildfire situation.
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