Below is the latest update from the Incident Command Center in Window Rock:
CONTAINMENT: As of, 9:30 AM, 0% has been contained, according to BIA officials. Currently, there are 55 firefighters on scene. BIA officials confirmed that nearly 800 acres has charred (this is a change from 1,000 acres reported last night by the Incident Commander on site).
The Complex Incident Management Team, an interagency team of federal and state agencies, is expected to take over 1800 hours.
FAMILIES ON READY-STATE STATUS: The “ready-state for evacuations” is still in effect, which means families should continue to stay vigilant and ready to evacuate. Families are encouraged to evacuate for their safety until the fire is fully contained and to seek shelter with other family members for now.
EVENT CENTER WILL BE OPEN ALL DAY: The Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance is the official evacuation shelter for families. Donations can be dropped off there.
DONATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED.
• Donations can be dropped off at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance.
• McKinley Humane Society in Gallup is providing cat and dog food.
NO REPORTS OF INJURIES OR DEATH: No reports of injury or deaths
ROAD UPDATES: The road to Oak Ridge is closed off. Motorists are encouraged to drive as quickly and as carefully past the fire as possible if traveling Arizona Highway 264, and not block the shoulders.
EL PASO GAS, HUNTERS POINT FAMILIES: There have been a lot of concerns regarding the El Paso Gas Station. Hunters Point residents are in “ready-state” evacuation status as well. Navajo Route 12 Down near El Paso Gas will be monitored as the east side of fire. If the fire goes beyond the 1-mile buffer, families need to evacuate immediately.
HIGH SCHOOL GYM OPEN FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
The Window Rock High School remains open to service first responders.
LIVESTOCK:
The Navajo Forestry, Fish and Wildlife, Park Rangers, and Resource Enforcement are all on site and assisting. Department of Agriculture and DRE continue to evacuate livestock and water/feed. Livestock are being moved to the Window Rock Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are open if a staging area is needed. For Information: 928-270-8062
POWERLINES: NTUA continues to monitor the powerlines in area. Some poles have been damaged.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO INTO THE FIRE ZONE: Families and the public are being asked not to self-deploy and urged not go near the fire zones. Some are creating public safety concerns.
STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT: The Stage 1 Executive Order signed by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren remains in effect, which means no burning.
We will continue to provide you the most up-to-date information. Please be safe. Pray for our people, our lands and our livestock.
