Executive Order No. 04-2024: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the Navajo Nation

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 04-2024

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE NAVAJO NATION

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 maCers. 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 effort of statutes of the Navajo Nation
   in the manner set forth in such statutes. 2N.N.C. 1005
3. The President may order any area of the Navajo Nation land closed to entry by the general
   public due to the danger of fire, 17 N.N.C. 2701;
4. 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; and
6. An Executive Order shall have the force of law upon the recipient. 2 N.N.C. 1005 (C)(14).

THEREFORE, l, DR. BUU NYGREN, President of the Navajo Nation, by the authority vested
in me, hereby issue the following order:

1. Stage I 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   in effect until this order is rescinded or amended.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:
   • Possession, manufacturing, sale or use of FIREWORKS or other pyrotechnic device
     pursuant to 17 N.N.C. 2733.
   • Building, maintaining, aCending, or using open fires, including 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).
   • Using a firearm or incendiary device without a valid permit.
3. The following uses must be undertaken with EXTREME CAUTION:
   Smoking, which is recommended only in permiCed areas, within an enclosed vehicle,
   for traditional and ceremonial uses, or while stopped in an area at least six (6) feet in
   diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
4. The following uses are PERMITTED:
   • Propane, Gas or other petroleum-fueled stoves will be allowed for livestock branding
     and in recreational areas.
   • Ceremonial fires properly registered with the Navajo Nation Environmental
     Protection Agency (NNEPA) through a NNEPA Burn Registration five (5) days prior
     to the ceremony. To obtain a Burn Registration, contact NNEPA Air Quality by phone
     at (928) 729-4246; by mail at NNEPA Air Quality, PO Box 529, Fort Defiance
     , AZ 86504; by facsimile at (928) 729-4323; or by email at kael
     ynnmorgan@navajo-nsn.gov.
   • Uses by persons with a wriCen permit/bonding/license that specifically authorizes the
     otherwise prohibited act.
   • Low Complexity Prescribed Fires that meet prescriptions approved by the BIA Ag
     ency Administrator under an approved Burn Plan.
5. Any person or parties found guilty of violating these 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 Navajo Region Branch of Fire
   Management are hereby directed to fully enforce this Executive Order.
7. Anyone observing a wildland fire should report it to the B.I.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 of this order shall be implemented consistent with the laws of the Navajo Nation and in a manner that advances the highest welfare of the People.

EXECUTED THIS 21ST DAY OF JUNE 2024.

Dr. Buu Nygren, President
THE NAVAJO NATION