Latest news with #BuuNygren
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Livestock evacuated from Oak Ridge Fire return home
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The livestock evacuated during a wildfire on the Navajo Nation have returned home. The Window Rock Fairgrounds took in more than 300 animals, like horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs, after the Oak Ridge Fire broke out near the New Mexico-Arizona state line. That fire burned more than 11,000 acres. As of Tuesday morning, it is 96% contained. Curbside debris pickup available in Lincoln County Navajo President Buu Nygren called the reunions a healing moment, saying the animals are part of many families, as well as the Navajo way of life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oak Ridge Fire on Navajo Nation burns 10,814 acres, is 26% contained
One week since the Oak Ridge Fire first ignited on June 28, it has scorched 10,814 acres and is 26% contained. Early July 5, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs made her way to the Navajo Nation for a quick visit with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Speaker Crytalyne Curely, first responders and other Navajo leadership to get updates on the Oak Ridge Fire. 'Today, I visited Navajo Nation and met with the brave first responders who have been on the frontlines battling the Oak Ridge Fire. I'm grateful to them for their tireless efforts to protect residents, homes, and land. We will continue to coordinate closely with our federal, Tribal, and local partners as they work to contain this fire. My administration stands ready to support the Navajo Nation and ensure that those impacted by this fire have what they need to recover,' Hobbs said in a news release. A Navajo Nation public information officer told The Arizona Republic the meeting was closed to the public and media. Additionally, Hobbs' communications team did not respond to The Republic's request to attend the visit. When the Oak Ridge Fire ignited a week ago, the Window Rock Unified School District and the Navajo community of Fort Defiance swiftly opened the high school's event center to shelter evacuees and provide support to those in need. A few days later, as strong winds pushed the fire toward the Klagetoh area near Ganado, the Ganado Unified School District also opened its doors to those displaced. Officials announced that both evacuation shelters will close at 5 p.m. on July 5 as they are no longer needed. July 5 will continue the warming and drying trend that started late July 3. Temperatures were expected into the mid 80s with humidity dropping to 10% to 15%, with winds reaching 15 to 20 mph from the west. Humidity was expected to have poor recovery at night. No thunderstorms were expected to develop. Fuels in the area remained extremely dry and highly flammable. The Navajo Nation was under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which ban activities such as trash burning and field clearing. Officials urged the public to use extreme caution with towing, smoking, and any use of fire, according to the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team. "Keep in mind that there may be visible smoke on the fire as relative humidity goes down and the fuels begin to dry out from the weekend's weather," said Tyler Chesarek, of planning operations with the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team. The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire. The rise in smoke was due to a low-intensity burnout operation being carried out by fire crews. It was a planned and strategic effort — not a sign of new fire growth. The fire's perimeter had held steady for about three days, and no major expansion was expected. Crews planned to complete the operation by day's end. Curley thanked the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Type 2, Navajo Nation Rangers, and all Navajo Nation fire crews for their collective efforts. 'We have over 600 firefighters on scene, and we're grateful to the Southwest Incident Management Team Type 2 for expediently creating fire lines to protect our people as fire raged close to residential areas, senior centers, schools, and even our backyards,' Curley said. Feds seeking to prosecute: Humans caused thousands of Arizona acres to burn in spring This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo leaders brief Hobbs on Oak Ridge Fire
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oak Ridge Fire at 1.8K acres, 0% containment near Window Rock in eastern Arizona
A wildfire that ignited near Window Rock remained at 0% containment on the morning of June 29. The Oak Ridge Fire was reported June 28, 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. The fire was reportedly sparked by wood haulers, according to Navajo Nation police. As of the afternoon of June 29, the seemingly small fire had burned at least 1,800 acres with 0% containment, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Region. As of June 29, there were no reports of injuries or deaths. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren posted on Facebook that the evacuation status remained at "ready" and encouraged residents to remain vigilant regarding the fire's status and to evacuate if possible as a precaution. Nygren added that the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance is the official evacuation shelter for families and donations could be dropped off there. Suggested donations include: Ziplock bags to distribute dog and cat food. Hair brushes or hair ties. Feminine hygiene products such as pads, tampons, and wipes. Plates, forks, utensils, bowls, spoons, forks, napkins, cups, gloves. Blankets, cots. Toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, lotion, soap and toilet paper. Prepared food. Snacks (cookies, fruit cups). Diapers, wipes and formula. Nygren added that the road to Oak Ridge remained closed and urged people to avoid the fire zone, as some had created public safety concerns by doing so. Livestock were being relocated to the Window Rock Fairground with Navajo Forestry, Fish and Wildlife and park rangers assisting. Those with livestock who need additional information can call 928-270-8062. The Commission on Emergency Management was scheduled to meet with Nygren at 11 a.m. and was expected to implement stage 2 fire restrictions for the Navajo Nation. Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Oak Ridge Fire at 1.8K acres, 0% containment near Window Rock
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Navajo crews fight Oak Ridge Fire near Window Rock; evacuations underway; wood haulers reportedly sparked blaze
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 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 for more details. Feds seek to prosecute: Humans caused thousands of Arizona acreage to burn in spring This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo Nation crews fight wildfire near Window Rock; evacuations begin
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Navajo Nation crews fight wildfire near Window Rock
Firefighters on the Navajo Nation were working to contain a wildfire that broke out the afternoon of June 28 near Window Rock, sending thick white smoke into the skies over eastern Arizona. The blaze 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. "Crews are currently on site working to suppress the blaze," posted Navajo President Buu 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." 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. Navajo police asked residents and wood haulers to avoid the area. 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. 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.' This is a developing story; check back to for more details. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Navajo Nation crews fight wildfire near Window Rock
