Update as of 1:30 a.m. June 29

WINDOW ROCK – At a midnight briefing of the Oak Ridge Fire, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, along with Council delegates Andy Nez and Brenda Jesus, and various emergency response personnel, received an update from the Incident Command Post that the fire has burned over 1,000 acres with 0% containment.

The fire was initially reported by a Navajo Nation Police Officer, who advised that two individuals of interest had been identified. They were wood haulers cutting fresh oak. The fire started small but quickly spread due to the wind.

While a massive evacuation order has not been issued, 15 families living in the fire’s path have evacuated themselves, some to the Bee Hól Dzil Fight Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance, Ariz., where the emergency shelter is located.

Navajo Division of Natural Resources is leading efforts to evacuate livestock to the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds and the Apache County Yards in Fort Defiance, according to Sharen Sandoval, director of the Navajo Department of Emergency Management.

Community members impacted by the fire are urged to stay informed and avoid self-deploying.

“I’ve been getting updates all afternoon, and I’m very impressed with all the counties, all of our partners, all the leaders, and everybody involved just coming together to make sure that we’re as prepared as we can be,” President Nygren stated. “I pray that you all look out for each other in trying to contain this fire.”

On Saturday night, President Nygren directed all Executive Branch offices, departments, and divisions to meet the needs of the Navajo People during this emergency.

A 9 a.m. briefing is scheduled between the Incident Command Post and BIA Fire Management to gain further updates on the fire.

According to Navajo Nation Police Lieutenant Tyler Lynch, who is commanding the Incident Command Post, BIA Fire Management has deployed 49 firefighters to help contain the blaze.

The Navajo Nation is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and plans to upgrade to stricter State 2 Fire Restrictions.

“I encourage all our Navajo people to respect and honor our fire restrictions,” President Nygren said. “I also encourage you all not to haul firewood, drag chains, or even light fireworks during this ongoing drought, which creates the perfect scenario for preventable fires.”

FORT DEFIANCE – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren thanks the volunteers for their assistance at the evacuation shelter located at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center.

A temporary Incident Command Center has been established at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance. The Window Rock Fighting Scouts Events Center has now become the primary emergency evacuation shelter for residents evacuating due to the fire. The facility is equipped with showers and locker rooms. 

Navajo Nation Office of the President staff, the Executive Branch, and Window Rock Unified School District staff are all on site to provide resources and support.

Shawn Bia, his wife and six children live off Mission Road in St. Michaels, Ariz., and have evacuated their home. They are staying at the shelter for the night.

“We are a couple feet below where the fire started,” Bia said. “I noticed a plume of white smoke just west of us. I didn’t think anything of it, but eventually it got larger and larger, and thicker and thicker.”

Bia said he was briefed by public safety officials and community members to evacuate his home.

“This is nice, but it’s nothing like being at home,” he added.

As the Oak Ridge Fire continues to grow, President Nygren states that the Navajo Nation will continue deploying direct services to assist those impacted by the fire.

WINDOW ROCK – As the Oak Ridge Fire continues to grow, evacuations have been ordered, and additional evacuations are expected, according to the Incident Command Center.

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

“We’re still receiving updates from BIA Fire regarding the extent of the evacuation,” said Navajo Nation Police Lieutenant Tyler Lynch. “Per BIA Fire, we plan to halt evacuations at midnight and redeploy our resources in the morning.”

Lieutenant Lynch also mentioned that the fire was caused by wood haulers operating in the Pine Springs Road area.

“Please do not go near the fire to take photos,” Lt. Lynch advised. “This can interfere with public safety. Be cautious and slow down on Route 12 and State Highway 264. Expect to see Navajo Police and Fire personnel responding rapidly, so please watch out for first responders.”

As of 10:30 p.m., agencies including BIA Fire, Navajo Nation Police, Navajo Department of Emergency Management, Apache County, and the Apache County Sheriff’s Office are actively involved in firefighting and safety efforts.

The Navajo Department of Agriculture, Forestry, Fish and Wildlife, Park Rangers, and Resource Enforcement are all on site and assisting. Department of Agriculture and DRE are preparing for evacuations of livestock with water/feed. Livestock will be moved to the Window Rock Fairgrounds.

The fairgrounds are open if a staging area is needed.

For Information: 928-270-8062

As of 6:40 p.m. the Oak Ridge Fire, located 5 to 8 miles southwest of St. Michaels, has grown to more than 200 acres (with zero containment) and continues to spread.

The fire is threatening multiple structures, ranches and a communication tower. The public is urged to stay clear of the area for safety.

A temporary Incident Command Center has been established at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance. The Window Rock Fighting Scouts Events Center is now the primary emergency evacuation shelter for residents evacuating due to the fire. The facility is equipped with showers and locker rooms. The Navajo Department of Emergency Management (NDEM) is on site to provide resources and support.

All families living along the path of the fire are urged to evacuate immediately and, if possible, seek shelter with family members outside the affected area.

Community members who wish to help can drop off donations, including bottled water, sports drinks, and other essential supplies, at the evacuation shelter.

Fire suppression efforts are ongoing:

– Three loads of fire retardant have been dropped by very large air tankers (VLATs)

– Two air tankers remain active

– Hotshot crews are working on the ground

– Additional aircraft are en route

– Law enforcement is increasing patrols to restrict access and ensure public safety

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren emphasized the importance of community safety and a coordinated response.

“Our top priority is the safety of our people,” Nygren said. “We are coordinating with all available resources, including the Department of Emergency Management, Navajo Nation Fire, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to contain this fire and protect lives and property. Please keep our people, our responders and our homeland in your prayers.”

For information on the Oak Ridge Fire, contact Navajo Regional Fire Dispatch at 928-729-7376.