Oak Ridge Update as of July 1, 2025 as of 5:30PM

We are receiving reports that the Kinlichee-Cross Canyon area is receiving rain!

Earlier today, these communities went into “Set” status and remain in Set status, which means “Prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.” All communities are encouraged to stay alert, stay informed and to plan ahead.

With this moisture, we remain hopeful and prayerful the rain will continue over the ongoing Oak Ridge fire, which has burned around 9,887 acres, approximately 15.4 square miles. 

The Oak Ridge Fire still remains active with 409 personnel on scene, but we remain hopeful and prayerful! Continue to pray for our communities, livestock, and homelands! 

-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

The Navajo Department of Emergency Management (DEM) confirmed this morning that the Oak Ridge Fire has burned 9,846 acres as of 8 a.m., an increase from 6,545 acres which was reported around 6 p.m. last night, with 0% containment.

• KLAGETOH/WIDE RUINS areas: High winds were a factor for the night crew and pushed the Oak Ridge Fire toward the Klagetoh substation on Transwestern Pipeline Road in Klagetoh and Wide Ruins, AZ.  Specifically, community members living near and around the substation went into “Go” status around 8 p.m. Communities further west are now on “SET” status
• UPDATE on ST. MICHAELS: The St. Michaels community remains in “Set” status.

The BIA Fire Management and the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 2 took over fire operations on Monday, June 30. There are at least 350 firefighters fighting the fire currently, with 10 additional crews being requested. So far, 100 homes and over 350 have been evacuated.

The Navajo Nation declared a State of Emergency on June 29, 2025. On the same day, President Nygren also enacted Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.

Please stay alert, stay informed and plan ahead. The following are resources:

• Official call center number has been established to take questions from the public: 505-422-7382

Wildfire smoke can seriously impact your health and it is best to STAY INDOORS.

If you must go outside, please keep in mind of the following: 

• Avoid heavy activity to reduce smoke inhalation and go inside to take breaks
• Wear an N95 respirator—cloth masks won’t protect you from smoke particles

We must continue to work together to protect at-risk groups which include:

• ⁠Older adults
• ⁠Children
• ⁠Pregnant women
• ⁠Those with heart or lung conditions

Keep indoor air clean:

• ⁠Close windows and doors
• ⁠Use fans, A/C, or go to a cool shelter
• ⁠Set up a “clean room” with an air purifier
• ⁠Avoid indoor smoke sources like vacuuming, burning candles and frying foods, etc.

Once the air clears, ventilate your home by opening windows and doors and safely clean any ash or debris.

The Oak Ridge Fire has grown to over 6,292 acres with zero containment, according to Navajo Department of Emergency Management.

Last night, residents of the Hunters Point and Oak Springs went into “Go” Status, according to Navajo Department of Emergency Management officials’ latest update at 9:19 p.m. last night, which means they were asked to evacuate immediately from their homes.

This morning, 23 individuals found themselves at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance, the official shelter for evacuees. Volunteers are needed to monitor overnight stays for the evacuees and can stop by the event center to volunteer.

As of 6AM this morning, the “Complex Incident Management Team” (CIMT), a team made up of federal and state wildfire agencies including BIA, State of Ariona and State of New Mexico, took over Oak Ridge Fire, which has grown to 5,650 acres to nearly 7,000 overnight.

There are 420 fire personnel on the scene.

Residents of the Hunters Point and Oaksprings area, specifically those south and east of Pipeline Road, are now in “Go” Status, according to Navajo Department of Emergency Management officials’ lastest update at 9:19PM.

In Oak Springs, the evacuation applies to residents west of mile marker 12 on Navajo Route 12 north to the El Paso Gas Station. Residents north of the El Paso Gas Station are still in a “SET” Status, according to DEM.

There is significant danger in this area, and residents need to begin relocating to a shelter or with family and friends outside the affected zone.

The three steps encourage Arizonans to get (1) READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, (2) be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to (3) GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

The Oak Ridge Fire has grown to over 1,800 acres and continues to move in a southeast direction.

The BIA “Complex Incident Management Team” (CIMT), a team made up of federal and state wildfire agencies, will take over the command center and the Oak Ridge Fire at 6 AM tomorrow morning (Monday, June 30).

Please remember to grab your emergency go-kit, including any specific needs for your family, pets, or livestock. Stay informed by monitoring updates from public safety and public health officials, as this may be the only notice you receive.

EVENT CENTER REMAINS OPEN: The Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance is the official evacuation shelter for families. Donations can be dropped off there. 

An official call center number has been established to take questions from the public: 505-422-7382

Please continue to be safe, check on loved ones and take care of each other.