Latest news with #StMichaels
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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
Telegraph
11-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Ding-dong in the village as church bell silenced for first time in 177 years
A village church has been forced to silence its chiming bells for the first time in nearly 180 years. St Michael's in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, was given a notice by the council to silence chiming between 11pm and 7am in April because of a series of complaints submitted by three disgruntled residents. The clock, which has been a village fixture for 177 years, does the full Westminster chimes with bells that chime on the quarter hour and another that strikes on the hour. It is not possible to pause the chiming at night until a costly device is fitted, so the bells have fallen silent in order to comply with the Calderdale council order. Many villagers were appalled by the decision and have set up an online petition to reinstate the bells, which they described as 'the soundtrack of our community's daily life'. Calderdale council said it had received complaints from three households about the chiming overnight. Roy Wrathall, who has been a church warden at St Michael's for nine years, said: 'We don't have the facilities to silence overnight. 'There's very much two sides to it. There's 'I'm awake in the night, there goes the clock that reassures me' and 'I can't get to sleep because I keep hearing that clock every 15 minutes'. It's not an easy one to resolve. 'Wearing the church hat – we're there for everybody so we'll do what the law says we have to do and do our best to try and please as many people as we can. 'The only way we can comply between 11pm and 7am is to stop the chimes. The clock's still going but the chimes have stopped.' 'A symbol of continuity and community' Villagers have set up a petition to reinstate the bells, which has received 1,296 signatures. The petition states: 'These bells have chimed since 1848, long before any of us were here – a symbol of continuity and community for over a century. 'My family's roots run deep in this village, and for us, as for numerous other residents, the chimes are more than bells – they are the soundtrack of our community's daily life.' The petition urges the council to reconsider their decision and find a solution that satisfies both the individuals who raised the complaint and the majority of village residents. One suggestion is to soundproof the complainants' residences. Danielle Durrans, the Calderdale council's cabinet member for public services and communities, said: 'The Council received several complaints from local residents about the noise of the church clock chime overnight, and the substantial impact it was having on their quality of life. 'We understand how much local people value heritage and the tradition of the church clock. 'However, the evidence from our investigation showed that the regularity and volume of the bell chiming, at the time of night when people are sleeping, was causing a substantial impact, so we had no option but to determine a statutory nuisance and serve an abatement notice requiring the chimes not to operate between 11pm and 7am.'
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Villagers furious after church banned from ringing 'nuisance' 177-year-old bells following complaints from neighbour
A village church has been deemed a 'nuisance' and forced to silence its chiming clock after being slapped with a council order - following 'a ridiculous villager complaint'. St Michael's in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, was stunned to receive an abatement notice about its beloved clock bells. The church was ordered to silence the chiming between 11pm and 7am after being notified of a complaint from a disgruntled resident of the proud village. Traditionally the clock - a staple in the village for up to 177 years - has rung out the full Westminster chimes, with four quarter bells that chime every 15 minutes and a bell that strikes on the hour. A £2,500 device would be needed to limit the bells to only chiming at night - so in order to comply with the Calderdale Council order, the bells have temporarily fallen silent for the first time in more than a century. Now devastated residents of the village - birthplace of poet Ted Hughes - have slammed the decision and set up an online petition to reinstate the bells, claiming they're 'the soundtrack of our community's daily life'. Roy Wrathall, who's been a church warden at St Michael's for nine years, said the church was there 'for everybody' so they would comply with the notice. 'We don't have the facilities to silence overnight,' he said. An online petition calling for the church bells to be allowed to peal again has attracted 1,296 signatures 'There's very much two sides to it. 'There's "I'm awake in the night, there goes the clock, that reassures me" and "I can't get to sleep because I keep hearing that clock every 15 minutes". 'It's not an easy one to resolve. 'Wearing the church hat - we're there for everybody, so we'll do what the law says we have to do and do our best to try and please as many people as we can. 'The only way we can comply between 11pm and 7am is to stop the chimes. 'The clock's still going but the chimes have stopped.' The eerie silence has been a particular blow as many locals associated the return of the chimes with the village recovering from devastating floods which also inundated the church in 2015. 'There was several feet of water in there - right by the river and houses around the same,' Mr Wrathall said. 'There was no electricity, no street lights and there was no clock going in the church so there were no chimes, it was silent. 'One of the things that was a sign of recovery to a lot of people was when the clock started chiming again, things were getting back to what they viewed as the norm. 'There are people who still find the clock during the night reassuring, but equally there's someone down in the village who it doesn't work like that for.' Furious locals have set up a petition to reinstate the bells, which has racked up 1,296 signatures. The petition reads: 'Growing up in the heart of Mytholmroyd, the sound of St Michael's church bells ringing through the village has been a cherished part of my life. 'These bells have chimed since 1848, long before any of us were here - a symbol of continuity and community for over a century. 'My family's roots run deep in this village, and for us, as for numerous other residents, the chimes are more than bells - they are the soundtrack of our community's daily life. 'We propose that Calderdale council reconsider their decision and engage with the community to find a solution that satisfies both the individual who raised the complaint and the majority of village residents. 'Solutions such as soundproofing options for the complainant's residence. 'Preserving these bells means preserving our history and community. St Michael's Church says it has been left with no choice but to silence the chimes 'completely' following 'a complaint from a neighbour' 'Their sound is a legacy we must protect for future generations. 'Support our campaign to keep the bells of St Michael's ringing in Mytholmroyd.' One supporter wrote: 'Born and bred in Mytholmroyd, still my home in my heart. 'The bells of Saint Michael's need to be heard, not silenced.' Another commented: 'Growing up in the 'Royd those bells were my clarion call to get home for dinner. 'With the bells silenced I worry about the poor children who may starve for lack of eating dinner. 'I feel that 177 years of the bells ringing being silenced by one objector is ridiculous.' Calderdale Council says it has received 'several complaints from local residents about the noise of the church clock chime overnight, and the substantial impact it was having on their quality of life'. 'We investigated the complaints in line with our legal duty, and this involved identifying whether the noise was causing a substantial or unreasonable impact on the quality of life of those who had complained,' said Danielle Durrans, cabinet member for public services and communities. 'The noise from churches and other similar establishments is something that many councils across the country have had to investigate. 'We understand how much local people value heritage and the tradition of the church clock. 'However, the evidence from our investigation showed that the regularity and volume of the bell chiming, at the time of night when people are sleeping, was causing a substantial impact, so we had no option but to determine a statutory nuisance and serve an abatement notice requiring the chimes not to operate between 11pm and 7am. 'We have received no appeals against the abatement notice, and the decision to stop the chiming during the day as well as night-time was taken by the town council and Erringdon Benefice.'
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dorking infant school offers children part-time 'flexi schooling'
An infant school is to experiment with so-called "flexi-schooling".It could see pupils attending school part-time, with the rest of their education being provided through home arrangement will be offered by St Michael's in Mickleham near Dorking, Surrey, from Nicola Cleather said the option will "put the needs of children first". Ms Cleather said: "We have seen a marked change in children's needs and learning styles."Some children thrive best when given opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting and our new flexi-schooling option officially recognises this."For years, we have provided a creative and flexible approach to education, adapting to the individual needs of our pupils."She said she hoped "giving families the chance to combine the structure of school life with the freedom and personalisation of home education" would "foster a genuine love of learning in our children and build the resilience and skills needed for future success".
