WINDOW ROCK – The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management recommended that the Navajo Nation declare a state of emergency due to the growing Oak Ridge Fire, and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has concurred.
The resolution passed unanimously by a vote of 5-0.
President Nygren enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions due to heightened wildfire risk. The restrictions prohibit all open flames, including campfires and charcoal use, even in designated recreation areas. Smoking is only allowed inside enclosed vehicles or buildings. The use of firearms, air rifles, and exploding targets is banned outside of lawful hunting.
Additionally, operating chainsaws or other internal combustion engines between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., as well as welding or using open-flame torches, is strictly prohibited.
The state of emergency also declares the need for Navajo Nation government resources to address current and subsequent impacts from wildfire across the Navajo Nation.
As of noon, the Oak Ridge Fire, which is human-caused, has grown to over 1,800 acres, with families still in “ready status for evacuations.” The fire was first reported on June 28 at 1:45 p.m.
“We are not at a mass evacuation point yet,” said Sharen Sandoval, director for the Navajo Department of Emergency Management.
At 6 p.m. later today, the BIA’s Complex Incident Management Team will deploy to the area to take over the fire, according to Sandoval.
As of noon, 15 people (5 families) have evacuated their homes and are at the emergency shelter at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance.
Due to the severity of the Oak Ridge Fire, ongoing drought, and current fire restrictions, the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management is calling for stricter fire restrictions and consideration of further limits on fireworks. All Navajo Nation entities are directed to coordinate emergency response efforts, allocate resources, and work with federal, state, and tribal partners. Emergency resources, including funding for personnel and equipment, will be activated to help restore and maintain essential community infrastructure.
Regarding the threats of explosion at the El Paso Gas Station, Robert Bernie with BIA Incident Command, said the facility has been “vented and all clear,” with numerous air and ground resources on the ground.
The Oak Ridge Fire is one of two active fires across the Navajo Nation, the other being at Navajo Mountain which is now a controlled fire and will die out on its own.
