Navajo crews fight Oak Ridge Fire near Window Rock; evacuations underway; wood haulers reportedly sparked blaze

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10 hours ago

Firefighters on the Navajo Nation were working to contain a wildfire that broke out on the afternoon of June 28 near Window Rock, sending thick white smoke into the skies over eastern Arizona. According to the Navajo Nation police, the fire was reportedly sparked by wood haulers.
The Oak Ridge Fire was reported roughly 4 miles south of Summit Road, in the community of St. Michaels — about 10 minutes west of Window Rock — according to a Facebook post from the Navajo Nation Police Department. It was reported about 1:45 p.m.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs-Wildland Fire Management for the Navajo Region reported that the fire initially had burned about 150 acres.
It had since grown to about 780 acres as of 7 p.m. and was 0% contained, according to Lt. Tyler Lynch of the Navajo Nation Police Department.
Lynch said residents along Roads 603, 604, 605, and the Navajo Telecommunications Road in St. Michaels had been instructed to evacuate.
'We're still receiving updates from BIA Fire regarding the extent of the evacuation,' Lynch said. 'Per BIA Fire, we plan to halt evacuations at midnight and redeploy our resources in the morning.'
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren stated on his social media that an emergency response from the Navajo Department of Emergency Management, BIA-Navajo Region Fire Management, and the Window Rock Fire Department had been deployed.
"Crews are currently on site working to suppress the blaze," posted Nygren on Facebook. "Community members are urged to avoid the area to ensure the safety of both residents and emergency responders, and to reduce exposure to hazardous smoke conditions."
Navajo Nation police posted on their Facebook page that an evacuation order within the Oak Ridge Fire area was currently underway.
"The fire has triggered evacuations along its projected path and near the El Paso pipeline corridor. It continues to demonstrate high potential for spread due to dry fuels and active fire behavior, including torching and spotting," stated the Navajo Nation Council.
A shelter for evacuees was open at the Window Rock Fighting Scouts Events Center, located in Fort Defiance. This location will be the primary emergency evacuation shelter for the Oak Ridge Fire evacuees. The Fort Defiance Chapter House also was open for evacuees.
Nygren said livestock in the area could be moved to the Window Rock Fairgrounds, which were open if a staging area was needed.
State Route 264, also known as the Navajo Code Talker Highway, runs directly south of the fire's burn area, connecting much of northeastern Arizona to New Mexico.
As of about 8:30 p.m., the freeway remained open, but the Arizona Department of Transportation warned that heavy smoke in the area was causing traffic to slow and advised motorists to proceed in the area with caution.
Live traffic conditions can be monitored on az511.com.
The Arizona Republic was at the scene and witnessed thick brown and gray smoke engulfing the sky over widespread flatland between St. Michaels and Ganado, in the Navajo National Forest.
The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has de-energized select power lines as a safety precaution, noting potential impacts to Chinle, Nazlini, Ganado, Klagetoh, Steamboat and Wide Ruins. The utility authority stated that electric line crews were on standby and would provide updates on any outages.
'Our people need to be vigilant about the poor and dry conditions we're experiencing on the Navajo Nation,' said Resources and Development Committee Chair Brenda Jesus. 'I've urged the Navajo Nation Forestry Department and the BIA to impose Stage 2 Fire Restrictions so we don't further jeopardize our people, wildlife, and our land.'
Nygren stated that fire suppression efforts were actively underway:
Three loads of fire retardant were dropped by air tankers.
Two air tankers remained in operation.
Hotshot crews were working on the ground.
Additional aircraft were en route.
Law enforcement increased patrols to restrict access and ensure public safety.
Nygren stated he is actively coordinating with emergency teams and staying updated on fire containment efforts. Residents were encouraged to monitor official updates and take necessary precautions as fire crews continued their efforts to contain the blaze.
'I urge all community members to stay clear of the affected area to allow our fire crews to carry out their critical work safely,' Nygren said. 'This fire is a serious reminder for all of us to remain alert and follow the Navajo Nation's fire restrictions, especially during this dangerously dry season. Taking preventive measures now can help protect our communities and our land.'
Nygren asked for the public's help to provide donations at the incident command center at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance.
Nygren said items most needed included necessities like plates, cups, eating utensils, prepared food and snacks.
Also needed were toiletries, blankets, cots, diapers and baby formula.
Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez, who represents the communities of Crystal, Fort Defiance, Red Lake and Sawmill, was setting up cots at the Window Rock Fighting Scouts Events Center in preparation for any evacuees who may arrive at the shelter.
He said that any evacuees with animals or livestock should take them to the fairgrounds in Window Rock. Nez also noted that Tsehootsoi Medical Center had activated its incident command and would be donating 47 cots for evacuees, with Behavioral Health staff on standby to assist.
"I do my best, not only with our chapters but with our constituents, to tell them: Don't throw out your ashes, don't burn trash. Ready. Set. Go. Carry certain things in your vehicle," said Nez, who also added that fireworks are illegal on the Navajo Nation.
This is a developing story; check back to azcentral.com for more details.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo Nation crews fight wildfire near Window Rock; evacuations begin