Fanned by strong winds, the Oak Ridge Fire grew to over 9,846 acres by its third day, prompting late-night notifications and the potential for more Navajo Nation communities to be affected.
During a public meeting on June 30, the Navajo community of St. Michaels was placed on “set” status, while parts of Klagetoh were issued a “go” evacuation order. As the meeting concluded, the gusty winds — a key factor in spreading the fire, personnel from the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team warned — began to intensify.
“With the shifting in wind, with the changes, that thing can really start pushing,” said Bill Morse, public information officer for the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team also known as Team 2. “We all hear that positive message that Monsoons are coming in the next few days and maybe we can get a little rain. Of course, Monsoon comes with lightning and outflow winds that can push fire all over the place. You may not think you are in the evacuation needs, things are changing. It’s wildfire, for sure.”
The fire that began on June 29, grew substantially in two days, causing people to evacuate and take shelter at the Window Rock Event Center, and threatening the El Paso Natural Gas Station and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority’s power lines. What started with about 55 firefighters to help contain the blaze is now at 430 personnel after the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team took over early June 30.
“First couple of days, some people were asking ‘Why do we only have 55 firefighters?'” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “To me, those are 55 warriors that put their lives on the line for two straight days.”
Again, because of these fires, Nygren signed off on the Commission on Emergency Management declaring a state of emergency due to the Oak Ridge Fire, calling for additional Navajo Nation resources to address current and additional wildfire impacts related to the Oak Ridge Fire. As well as increasing fire restrictions from Stage 1 to Stage 2.
Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley urged community members to check on their neighbors, especially elders. She emphasized that the event center is not only a shelter for evacuees, but also a resource for families who haven’t been evacuated but need food or support. With ongoing power outages and conservation efforts urged by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Curley noted the center can also serve as a place for residents to meet essential needs.
“It’s not only for shelter, it’s for food,” Curley said. “If they’re missing out on a meal, have them go to the event center. Anyone that wants a meal within the impacted areas can go to the event center. Those amenities are there.”
More importantly, Curley and Nygren urged the public not to pull over on roads to take photos or videos of the fire, warning that it poses a serious traffic hazard. They also cautioned against falling for scam donation requests, noting that the Navajo Nation has not set up an official donation account for the fire. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of verifying any information before sharing or acting on it.
“For many community members, I know we want to go on TikTok, go on Instagram, and do these live shoots—but with safety being the top priority, everyone should stay clear of those areas,” Curley said. “Only our first responders, immediate family, and those with grazing responsibilities should have access to that highway.”
Evacuations and other updates from Southwest Team
The communities of Hunters Point and Oak Springs north of mile marker 12 and west of Navajo Route 12, north to El Paso Gas Station Road, and the Klagetoh Pump Station Area are currently under a “go” order.
St. Michaels residents along roads 603, 604, and 605, and Navajo Telecommunications Road are under a “set” order. Klagatoh and North Klagatoh areas are also under a “set” order. The Summit Area is under a “ready” order.
At least 350 firefighters are fighting the fire currently, with 10 additional crews being requested. So far, 100 homes and over 350 have been evacuated, according to the Southwest Team.
Looking ahead, weather forecasts for the next three days predict winds from the east at 10–15 mph. Humidity levels have increased, with minimums between 20–30%. There is a 30% chance of thunderstorms, which could bring outflow winds that pose additional risks. By July 3-4, the area is expected to see a return to drier conditions.
While some members of the public have expressed concerns about looting — with a few even reporting incidents of theft — officials confirmed that no injuries have been reported but did not answer whether or not there are any damages.
An interactive evacuation map was also developed and is available for the public.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Oak Ridge Fire on Navajo Nation burns 9.8K acres; more evacuations set