SAINT MICHAELS, Ariz. – Standing outside the fire line of the 11,000-acre Oak Ridge Fire, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren saw the fire’s devastating impacts – dead ponderosa, pinion, juniper and oak – on a tour of the fire zone on July 11.
One of the primary objectives of the tour, which included fire and emergency management officials, was to learn about the recovery process from the BIA’s Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team.
“Learning of the potential flooding that will likely occur from the fire’s impact is a concern,” President Nygren said. “I saw the impacts of the fire and the results of the hard work that went into containing the fire by resources we mobilized from our Navajo Nation government with various partnerships, including the BIA, Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2, and the more than 600 fire personnel assigned to the incident.”
On the tour, President Nygren received briefing and learned how strong winds on top of the flat mountaintop come in many directions. He was also briefed on potential impacts of the burned area as the BAER Team continues to identify immediate threats to life, property, and natural resources.
Now that the fire is 93% contained as of July 11, the recovery process begins with the BAER Team’s assessment. The BAER Report will advise the Navajo Nation of potential funding sources to assist with addressing risks like soil erosion, flooding, debris flows, and water quality.
Darryl Martinez, post-wildfire recovery coordinator for the BIA BEAR Team, said while the immediate threat from the Oak Ridge Fire has passed, impacted community members need to remain cautious to post-wildfire dangers like falling trees and flash flooding.
“Wildfires alter soil conditions, reducing its ability to absorb water and increasing the risk of floods and mudflows even after light rain,” Martinez said. “In response, the BIA Navajo Region has deployed a specialized Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team. This team of experts is working closely with the Nation to assess hazards and planning recovery efforts to protect lives, natural resources, and the Navajo Nation’s lands.”
Sharen Sandoval, executive director for the Navajo Department of Emergency Management and Oak Ridge Fire Incident Commander, said that post-fire flooding remains a critical concern.
“One of the key things to take away from this disaster is that post-burn areas can still be a threat to the local community,” Sandoval said. “It is up to our Navajo Nation Executive Branch Divisions, our Chapters, and leadership to implement the BAER Team’s recommendations, and establish a contingency plan. We will continue to update our communities that may be impacted. The BAER Report will guide community resilience by addressing vulnerabilities created by the fire and preparing the landscape for recovery. We are grateful to have the team here this week for direct community connection.”
