ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A wildfire that has quickly grown to about 300 acres is threatening the entrance to Denali National Park on the Parks Highway and has forced the evacuation of several hundred people.
The blaze — named the Riley Fire — began burning shortly after noon on Sunday and by 5:30 p.m. was reported at around 350 acres in size.
The fire was first spotted near mile 239 of the Parks Highway, across the Nenana River from the town of Denali, a heavily-populated spot in the summer when tourists visit, and about a mile north of the entrance to the park.
No structures are immediately threatened by the blaze, officials said.
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A wildfire that has quickly grown to about 300 acres is threatening the entrance to Denali National Park on the Parks Highway.(Courtesy Denali Borough/via Bureau of Land Management)
Denali National Park spokesperson Paul Ollig said that the blaze is within about a quarter of a mile from people and structures.
“The area where the fire is currently burning is up above the Nenana River in close proximity to the Horseshoe Lake Trail area,” Ollig said. “It is generally dense black spruce forest, and is right up against Mount Healy, so it does have some steep terrain that climbs pretty quickly in that area, once you’re across once you’re west of the railroad tracks.”
Ollig estimated that around 200 people are currently being affected by evacuation notices in the area, including 100 to 150 park employees and another 75 to 100 residents.
Other areas of the park near the fire are in “ready” mode to evacuate, Ollig said, meaning they must be ready to evacuate if the order is given. That includes campers in the Riley Creek Campground, which Ollig said is closest to the blaze.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Fire Service team said 12 smokejumpers responded to the fire via plane and another 10 were driving to the area to help suppress it.
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Ollig said that tour and transit bus service has been stopped going westbound. Day-use visitors west of the park entrance are being shuttled back eastward, and “public front-country” facilities and nearby trails have been closed, including the Denali Visitor Center.
The Riley Fire burns near the Denali National Park entrance on June 30, 2024.(Courtesy National Park Service)
BLM said in addition to the smokejumpers, four water-scooping planes were on scene to help douse the flames, with two water scoopers and a retardant air tanker on the way.
The fire was reportedly burning an area predominantly thick with black spruce trees near the Alaska Railroad.
The Park Service said that agencies working to contain the fire include the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and the McKinley Village Volunteer Fire Department.
Boaters anchor in Juneau’s harbor to watch its Fourth of July fireworks. (Heather Bryant/KTOO)
The Fourth of July often brings thoughts of festive celebrations like parades, picnics and fireworks, but what does honoring the nation’s independence mean? What are our rights, but also our responsibilities to a healthy democracy? How do you reflect on what freedom means, and what’s the best way for us all to move forward as a united nation? We discuss historical and philosophical context on our democracy and what freedom requires of us all on this next Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
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GUESTS:
Dr. Terry Kelly – Associate Professor & Chair of Philosophy, University of Alaska Anchorage
Sam Woolsey – Social Studies Teacher, Bettye Davis East High School
PARTICIPATE:
Call 907-550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (comments may be read on air)
Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
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Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
This winter, we’re expanding our guests’ options with nonstop service to two exciting international destinations
Alaska Airlines is excited to announce an expansion of our international network with two new Mexico destinations starting this winter. We’ll soon start flying between Los Angeles and breathtaking La Paz, as the only U.S. carrier serving the coastal Mexican destination. We’ll also become the only U.S. airline to offer daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and the bustling city of Monterrey when we begin service in February.
During the winter months, our guests search for warm-weather travel destinations. Our new nonstop service to La Paz (LAP) and Monterrey (MTY) caters to that demand by offering our guests the perfect escape to sunny skies, a vibrant city experience and warm hospitality. It’s never too early to start booking your winter vacation. Tickets are available starting the afternoon of July 3 on alaskaair.com.
We recently celebrated 35 years of service to Mexico and are proud to connect travelers with the rich culture and natural beauty of the country. We look forward to continuing to serve as the carrier of choice from the West Coast, especially as we prepare to start service to these popular destinations in Mexico,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning at Alaska Airlines.
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We’re proud to be the #1 U.S. carrier with the most flights, seats and nonstop routes to Mexico from the West Coast. This announcement continues our longstanding commitment and plans for growth in the region.
Our new nonstop service to LAP and MTY from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) enables guests to easily connect from cities across our network. From our hub at LAX, we continue to offer the most flights to the most destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean of any carrier – which includes almost 16 average daily departures this winter to 15 cities throughout the region.
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La Paz, Mexico
This year, we will become the only carrier offering nonstop service between the United States and La Paz where you’ll find some of the world’s best diving and sport fishing. We’re excited to offer flights year-round with service up to three times weekly.
“We appreciate Alaska Airlines’ confidence in investing in the virtues of La Paz and providing it with the opportunity to expand its borders by connecting with the United States. Especially with its flight to Los Angeles, California, which we are sure will be a success,” said Maribel Collins, minister of tourism and economy of Baja California Sur. “For the Government of Baja California Sur, tourism is one of the pillars that drives the state’s economy. Therefore, we are highly committed to promoting actions that benefit this important sector through our tourism trusts, which day by day seek alliances for the benefit of all.”
“Connecting La Paz with Los Angeles is an important step for internationalizing this airport which has grown passengers significantly over the past three years. We thank Alaska Airlines for offering this flight to one of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico and look forward to welcoming travelers to La Paz and continuing to provide greater ease for foreign tourists to visit this city,” said Raúl Revuelta Musalem, CEO of the Pacific Airport Group.
Monterrey, Mexico
We’re adding daily service from Los Angeles to Monterrey, Mexico’s second-largest metro area. The popular destination offers dramatic peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range and a vibrant food scene, including several Michelin-starred restaurants. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to one of the city’s many museums or satisfy your love for the outdoors with a visit to the Huasteca Canyon, a popular rock climbing area located on the outskirts of the city.
We are pleased to announce that Alaska Airlines will begin operations from Monterrey Airport to Los Angeles, expanding its services from our airports along with Mazatlan and Zihuatanejo,” said Ricardo Dueñas, CEO of Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. “Through LAX, this new route will offer access to new destinations on the West Coast, as we continue to increase international connectivity from Monterrey to meet both business and leisure travel demand.”
Whether traveling for pleasure or business, our guests can take advantage of a premium travel experience on any Alaska flight with no change fees, the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class, the most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status, high-quality West Coast-inspired food and a premium selection of beverages. Our guests can also buy tickets and earn Mileage Plan miles with our domestic and Global Partners directly at alaskair.com.
Alaska Airlines is making it easier for you to plan your next trip while saving money and earning Mileage Plan miles. Bundle flights, hotels, car rentals and experiences at Alaska Vacations, find deals car rentals on Alaska Car Rentals and book your next adventure while earning 4 miles for every $1 spent on GetYourGuide.
*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Clouds and cooler temperatures will help Alaska and firefighters deal with fires that broke out during a hot, dry stretch of weather from last week. This week, more areas of Alaska will see clouds and rain move through.
Thunderstorms are still possible in the interior, where fire danger has been and remains high. The spate of fires are the result of both lightning and human-caused ignition.
Starting Tuesday over northern Alaska, cooler temperatures arrive with several rounds of rain. This is much-needed moisture. Much of the moisture will stay north of southcentral, until the coming weekend.
Southcentral will get a mostly dry 4th of July, with the wetter weather waiting for the first weekend of July.
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Hot spot went Huslia, hitting 81 degrees. The cold spot was Barter Island with a temperature of 32 degrees.
