Wildfire Prompts Evacuations on Navajo Nation
A rapidly spreading wildfire covering 1,800 acres in Apache County has led to significant evacuations across the Navajo Nation. Situated approximately eight miles southwest of Window Rock, the Oak Ridge Fire was first detected on Saturday and is currently consuming timber and grass near the St. Michaels area.
Authorities from Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness have issued evacuation orders for residents in specific areas, including roads 603, 604, 605, and the Navajo Telecommunications Road in St. Michaels. Additionally, Pine Springs Road off Highway 264 has been closed. Meanwhile, Hunters Point residents are on alert and should be prepared for potential evacuation.
Efforts to contain the blaze are ongoing, with air resources assisting ground crews. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Fire and Aviation Management has yet to provide official containment figures. Reinforcements have been requested, including a Complex Incident Management Team to oversee operations. Currently, 55 firefighters are working on-site, with the cause of the fire still under investigation.
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley emphasized the dual nature of fire, stating, “Fire is not only a destructive force—it is also an essential part of our ecosystem.” She urged cooperation with first responders, adding, “The safety and wellbeing of our people must remain our top priority.”
Additional road closures include Summit Road 9000 and the access road to the El Paso Natural Gas Company. The Navajo Nation Police Department is actively monitoring Navajo Route 12 in St. Michaels to manage traffic around emergency operations.
In response to the fire, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has rerouted electrical lines and is closely monitoring the fire’s proximity to critical infrastructure, such as the El Paso substation and pipeline. Residents are urged to conserve energy as a precaution.
The Navajo Commission on Emergency Management declared a state of emergency on Sunday, facilitating the activation of emergency resources, including personnel and equipment funding. This declaration awaits final approval from President Buu Nygren.
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