Rye Fire Chief: Evacuation Order Remains as Wildfire Threatens Town

Description: Rye Fire Chief Ross Gallegos says evacuation orders will remain in effect as the wildfire burns less than two miles from town and crews strengthen defensive fire lines...

Message from the Fire Chief

To the residents currently under evacuation:

I understand the frustration of being unable to return to your home. However, I want to be clear: it is not safe to return at this time.

The fire remains less than two miles from the Town of Rye and continues to pose an immediate threat to life, property, and public safety. Fire activity has remained unpredictable, with repeated periods of increased intensity that can rapidly change fire conditions.

The Alaska Incident Management Team is actively constructing and strengthening defensive fire lines behind the Town of Rye and is currently holding the fire in place as it advances up the mountain. These operations are critical to protecting our community.

Allowing residents back into the evacuation area now would place lives at risk and create additional hazards for firefighters working on the fire line. Increased civilian traffic would interfere with suppression operations and could force emergency crews to divert resources from protecting homes to conducting rescues.

The evacuation order will remain in effect until fire officials determine the area can be reoccupied safely.

To those residents who have already been allowed to return home, I ask for your continued cooperation. Please do not travel beyond your residence or past established checkpoints unless specifically authorized. This is not the time for sightseeing or photographing fire-affected areas. Every unnecessary vehicle or person in the area creates additional risk to firefighters, utility crews, law enforcement, and other personnel working to restore services and secure our community. Your cooperation allows these crews to work safely and efficiently while we continue protecting the Town of Rye.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support.

Ross Gallegos
Fire Chief
Rye Fire Protection District

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