WINDOW ROCK, AZ — Evacuations have started being lifted for some residents near Window Rock in Eastern Arizona due to an active wildfire.
The Oak Ridge Fire, burning in Apache County, southwest of Saint Michaels, Arizona, sparked on June 28.
It has burned nearly 11,000 acres and is at 87% containment, according to an update Monday afternoon.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported at this time.
The Commission on Emergency Management declared a state of emergency on Sunday, calling for additional resources amid the fire.
Shelters and closures
The Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance is the official evacuation shelter for families.
The Navajo Nation Fair Grounds Dean Jackson Arena is available for evacuated livestock, fire officials said Monday.
Pine Springs Road off of Highway 264 is closed.
Everyone is cautioned to avoid State Route 264 and Route 12, and to yield to emergency response and public safety vehicles.
Cause
According to initial information, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said the fire is believed to have been started by two people who were cutting fresh oak wood.
"The fire started small but quickly spread due to the wind," President Nygren said in a statement on Facebook.
“Our people need to be vigilant about the poor and dry conditions we’re experiencing on the Navajo Nation,” said Resources and Development Committee Chair Brenda Jesus. “I’ve urged the Navajo Nation Forestry Department and the BIA to impose Stage 2 Fire Restrictions so we don’t further jeopardize our people, wildlife, and our land.”
Firefighting and safety efforts are being performed by multiple agencies, including BIA Fire, Navajo Nation Police, Navajo Department of Emergency Management, Apache County, and the Apache County Sheriff’s Office.
