Cooler, wetter weather has moved into the area, with the 388-acre fire 5% contained as of Friday morning, officials reported.
Denali National Park and Preserve remained closed for a sixth straight day Friday as the Riley Fire near the park entrance continued to shut down operations and disrupt schedules for thousands of tourists.
But power was restored on a full-time basis starting Thursday at the park and the nearby Glitter Gulch tourist area that’s home to hotels, restaurants and shops, after it was shut down earlier in the week, Nash said. The shutdown came during the park’s busiest time of year, the Fourth of July week when 4,000 tourists or more visit the park that’s home to North America’s tallest mountain.“Denali National Park and Preserve remains closed as long as the southern edge of the fire is unsecured,” agencies involved in the responseFriday. “Although rain has a moderating effect on the fire, gusty winds can fan flames and increase fire behavior, as fuels remain dry despite the recent rainfall.
“This saw work is slow and hazardous on the steep, slippery slopes,” the incident response team said. “Smokejumpers are assessing opportunities for indirect line in the northern bowl.”
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