WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren today issued an executive order to immediately implement State 1 Fire Restrictions across the Navajo Nation.
“These restrictions are needed as a preventive protective measure,” President Nygren said. “We’re experiencing daily high temperatures to the point our Department of Health has issued its own heat warning. We’re all feeling it, and our land is surrounded by early, raging forest fires in New Mexico and Arizona.”
The President said the restrictions are needed to protect human life, property, livestock and Navajo forests, grassland, cultural and ecological resources.
Most important, he said, is the safety of Navajo communities and residents from the harmful effects of wildfires. This includes health risks from the inhalation of smoke.
The order states that a high fire danger now exists on the Navajo Nation because of high temperatures, inadequate precipitation, high wind conditions and low relative humidities.
The order is necessary to protect the public, natural resources and reduce the risks of wildfires.
Of note, with Independence Day holiday on July 4 just 11 days away, the order prohibits the possession, sale or use of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices on the Navajo Nation.
It prohibits open fires, charcoal and coal fires outdoors. Exceptions include propane, gas or petroleum-fueled stoves in developed sites such as developed fire pits at developed recreational areas or petroleum-fueled stoves for livestock branding.
The Navajo Nation Divisions of Public Safety, Natural Resources, EPA, Community Development and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Navajo Region Branch of Fire Management are authorized to enforce the order. The order was concurred to by Acting Navajo Region BIA Regional Director Deborah Shirley.
Ceremonial fires are permitted if they have been properly registered with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency through a NNEPA Burn Registration five 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 kaelynnmorgan@navajo-nsn.gov.
If a wildland fire is seen, it should be reported immediately to the BIA Fire Dispatch at 928-729-2307 or June Begay at 928-729-7391.
Questions pertaining to the order should be directed to the Navajo Forestry Department at 928-729-4007 or the Division of Natural Resources at 928-871-6593/6592.
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