Categories
News

Emergency response underway near Denali National Park entrance due to raging wildfire

Source link : https://usa-news.biz/2024/09/28/alaska/emergency-response-underway-near-denali-national-park-entrance-due-to-raging-wildfire/

A Wildfire Threatening Denali National ​Park Entrance

In Anchorage, Alaska, ⁤a rapidly spreading ⁣wildfire is putting the entrance to Denali National Park on the Parks Highway at risk. Known as the Riley Fire, this blaze ignited⁢ around midday⁢ on Sunday and has already spread to approximately 300 acres in size.

The fire was first noticed near mile 239 of the Parks Highway, situated ⁤across the Nenana⁣ River from the town of Denali. This area‍ sees ⁢a high influx of tourists during the summer months,⁢ making it a significant⁢ concern. The wildfire is about a mile north of the park entrance but currently poses ⁣no immediate threat to any structures, according to officials.

Responding⁢ swiftly, the Bureau of⁣ Land Management’s Fire Service team dispatched⁣ 12 smokejumpers via aircraft to combat the flames. Additionally, another⁢ 10 personnel are en route to the location to ‍assist in suppression efforts.⁤ To support the firefighting operation, four water-scooping planes are already⁢ on the​ scene, with⁤ two ​more en route along with‌ a retardant ‌air tanker.

The fire is predominantly burning through an area densely ‍populated with black spruce trees near the‌ Alaska Railroad. As a precautionary measure, Denali National Park authorities have halted tour and transit bus services heading westbound.⁣ Day-use visitors located west of the park entrance are being transported back eastward, and various⁤ public facilities and nearby trails, ‌including the Denali Visitor Center, have been temporarily closed.

As the⁢ situation unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to monitor and manage the wildfire to prevent any further escalation and protect the⁣ surrounding areas. Stay tuned for updates on this ‌developing ⁤story.

Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.

The post Emergency response underway near Denali National Park entrance due to raging wildfire first appeared on USA NEWS.

—-

Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT

Publish date : 2024-09-28 17:00:45

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Exit mobile version

..........................%%%...*...........................................$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$--------------------.....