BODAWAY/GAP, Ariz. — On May 16, the Bodaway/Gap Red Mesa store and Sinclair gas station went up in flames.
Thankfully, staff acted quickly to use the emergency valve to shut off gas flow, preventing what would have been catastrophic damage.
Less than 10 days later, the store and two of its gas pumps reopened on Thursday, May 23. A third pump remains damaged from the fire and will be replaced.
Craig Colloway, owner of the Red Mesa stores across the Navajo Nation, said Bodaway/Gap is their busiest location. The gas station and store average about one thousand sales per day.
The booming business thrives on U.S. Highway 89, a popular route between Flagstaff and Page, Ariz., especially during the summer, tourist season.
“Craig has several gas stations on Navajo, and this is the busiest store,” said Tony Skrelunas, executive director for the Navajo Division of Economic Development (DED)
Colloway said getting the gas pumps running again just before tourism season is necessary for the millions of visitors who sightsee at the nearby Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.
As a result of influx of tourism in this region of the Navajo Nation, President Buu Nygren has tasked DED to grow and think outside the box in expanding the tourism industry.
“I am glad no one was hurt in this incident, and I am really glad Craig, Tony, our firefighters and first responders were quick on their feet to make sure minimal damage was done,” said President Nygren. “These small businesses not only promote our local economies but provide basic goods and services for our communities. They’re the stop before home, for groceries, for gas.
“It may seem like a small operation, but the growth of stores and gas stations spurs the local economy and overall tax revenue, giving back to the Navajo people,” added President Nygren.
