Executive Order No. 04-2025: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for the Navajo Nation

WHEREAS:

1. The President of the Navajo Nation serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Executive Branch of the Navajo Nation government with the full authority to conduct, supervise, and coordinate personnel and program matters. 2 N.N.C. § 1005 (A).
2. The President shall have the power to issue an executive order for the purpose of interpreting, implementing, or giving administrative effect to statutes of the Navajo Nation in the manner set forth in such statutes. 2.N.N.C. § 1005 (C)(14);
3. The President may order any area of Navajo Nation land closed to entry by the general public due the danger of fire, 17 N.N.C. § 2701;
4. Very high fire danger exists on the Nation at this time due to an unfortunate convergence of high temperatures, inadequate precipitation, high wind conditions and low relative humidities;
5. To protect the public, natural resources, and reduce the risks of wildland fires, it is necessary for the public to exercise extreme caution on Navajo lands and surrounding areas;
6. An Executive Order shall have the force of law upon the recipient. 2 N.N.C. 1005 (C)(14).

THEREFORE, I, DR. BUU NYGREN, President of the Navajo Nation, by the authority vested in me, hereby issue the following order:

1. The Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Navajo Nation are effective immediately and shall remain in effect until this order is rescinded or amended.
2. The following uses within the Navajo Nation are PROHIBITED:
   1. Possession, manufacturing, sale or use of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device pursuant to 17 N.N.C. 2733, which is a section of the Navajo Nation Fireworks Code.
   2. All debris (trash) and field-clearing burning.
   3. Building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires, including wood, charcoal and coal fires outdoors; except propane, gas, or other petroleum fueled stoves in developed sites (e.g., developed fire pits at more developed recreational areas).
   4. Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to State, Federal, or tribal laws and regulation.
   5. Mechanical and Industrial Prohibitions in forest and woodland areas:
      1. The use and operation of chainsaws or any other internal combustion engines between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
      2. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame
3. The following activities must use EXTREME CAUTION:
   1. Smoking, which is recommended only in permitted areas, within an enclosed vehicle, traditional and ceremonial uses, and while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
4. The following activities are PERMITTED:
   1. Propane, gas, or other petroleum-fueled stoves will be allowed for livestock branding. Such devices may only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
   2. Ceremonial fires, properly registered, and permitted by the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) through a Navajo Nation EPA Burn Registration, five (5) days prior to ceremony. To obtain a Burn Registration, please contact Navajo Nation EPA Air Quality at (928) 729-4246. Mail: NN Air Quality, PO Box 529, Fort Defiance, AZ 86504, FAX: (928) 729-4323 or email: kaelynnmorgan@navajo-nsn.gov.
   3. Public firework displays approved and permitted, pursuant to 17 N.N.C. § 2735, by the Navajo Nation Fire Department.
   4. Uses by persons with a written permit/bonding/license that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
   5. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
   6. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
   7. Low Complexity Prescribed Fires that meet prescriptions approved by the BIA Agency Administrator under an approved Burn Plan.
5. Any person or parties found guilty of violating the fire restrictions may be fined up to $5,000 or provide restitution. 17 N.N.C. § 523.
6. The Division of Public Safety, Division of Natural Resources, NNEPA, Division of Community Development and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Fire Management are hereby directed to fully enforce this Executive Order.
7. Report any wildland fires to the B.l.A. Fire Dispatch at (928) 729-2307. Any questions pertaining to this Order should be directed to the Navajo Forestry Department at (928) 729-4007.

The provisions ofthis order shall be implemented consistent with the laws ofthe Navajo Nation and in a manner that advances the highest welfare ofthe People.

EXCUTED THIS 29TH DAY OF JUNE, 2025.

Dr. Buu Nygren,
President THE NAVAJO NATION