A firefighter walks along railroad tracks toward a large plume of smoke. A member of the fire crew makes their way to the front lines.
A firefighter walks along railroad tracks toward a large plume of smoke. A member of the fire crew makes their way to the front lines. Credit: Ollig / NPS Photo

A wildfire, burning in black spruce in steep terrain near the Alaska Railroad, has grown to an estimated 300 acres as of 3 p.m. Sunday, according to a release from the Denali National Park and Preserve.

No structures are currently threatened by the Riley Fire, but the park says tour and transit bus services have been discontinued westbound, and public front-country facilities and trails have been closed, including the Denali Visitor Center.

Four Fire Bosses, two water scoopers, and one retardant air tanker are enroute, with 12 smokejumpers deployed via airplane and another 10 smokejumpers traveling on foot, according to the release. The fire is burning near milepost 239 Parks Highway, west of milepost 239 Parks Highway.

The park says additional details will be released as the situation progresses, and reminds visitors to stay informed about current wildfires by visiting AKfireinfo.com.

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