Office of the Navajo Nation President

THE NAVAJO NATION

President Buu Van Nygren

Office of the Navajo Nation President

THE NAVAJO NATION

President Nygren

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

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

Jun 29, 2025 | Emergency, Executive Orders, Featured

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Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Navajo Nation are effective immediately and shall remain in effect until this order is rescinded or amended.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

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Incident Command Post – Hunters Point Is In “Ready, Set, Go” Status as Fire Heads East

Incident Command Post – Hunters Point Is In “Ready, Set, Go” Status as Fire Heads East

Jun 29, 2025 | Emergency, News

The residents of the Hunters Point area, specifically those south and east of Pipeline Road, are advised to be on a “Set” status. This means there is significant danger in your area, and residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family and friends outside the affected zone.

(Ready, Set, Go)

Ready: get docs ready

Set: set is packing up things in vehicle 

Go: go is be ready to evacuate

The Oak Ridge Fire has grown to over 1,800 acres and is currently moving in a southeast direction. Residents are urged to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick and to follow public health recommendations while relocating.

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.

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

Emergency services cannot guarantee timely notification if conditions worsen rapidly. Be prepared to go if necessary.

The nearby El Paso gas station has been cleared and is considered safe at this time.

Stay alert and stay safe.

FAMILIES ON “READY, SET, GO” STATUS: The “ready-set-go 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. 

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

Navajo Nation Declares State of Emergency as Oak Ridge Fire Grows, President Nygren Signs Executive Order for Stage 2 Restrictions

Navajo Nation Declares State of Emergency as Oak Ridge Fire Grows, President Nygren Signs Executive Order for Stage 2 Restrictions

Jun 29, 2025 | Emergency, Statements and Releases

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.

Oak Ridge Fire Chars 1,800; Public Hotline Established

Oak Ridge Fire Chars 1,800; Public Hotline Established

Jun 29, 2025 | Emergency, News

As of 1PM, the acreage of the fire is now at 1,800 acres, with no containment or control.

A helicopter is currently being used to assist in the suppression efforts. A Regional Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) has been requested and will have an in-brief this evening at 6:00 PM, to assume management of the incident tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM.

An official call center number has been established taking questions from the public:

•⁠  ⁠505-422-7384

Residents along Roads 603, 604, 605, and the Navajo Telecommunications Road in St. Michaels have been instructed to evacuate.

Hunters Point residents are in “ready-state” evacuation status.

Closures: Pine Springs Road off of Highway 264 is CLOSED

We will continue to provide updates.

Still Zero Containment of Oak Ridge Fire

Still Zero Containment of Oak Ridge Fire

Jun 29, 2025 | Emergency, News

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.