The Oak Ridge Fire, 8 miles southwest of Window Rock, has spread to more than 9,800 acres, with zero containment, according to Navajo Department of Emergency Management.
The fire was reported Saturday at 200 acres, but grew to 6,545 acres by 6 p.m. Monday.
High winds Monday night pushed the Oak Ridge Fire toward the Klagetoh substation on Transwestern Pipeline Road in Klagetoh and Wide Ruins, Arizona.
Residents near the substation went into “Go” status about 8 p.m. Communities farther west are on “set” status. “Ready” status means residents should prepare to evacuate, and “set” advises residents to prepare to leave as soon as notified. “Go” means evacuate immediately.
The Complex Incident Management Team, made up of federal and state wildfire agencies including BIA, state of Arizona and state of New Mexico, took over Oak Ridge Fire, took over management of the fire on Monday.
There were about 420 fire personnel on the scene, according to a Navajo Nation news release.
The fire was initially reported by a Navajo Nation Police officer, who advised that two individuals of interest had been identified, according to the news release.
“They were wood haulers cutting fresh oak,” the news release said. “The fire started small but quickly spread due to the wind.”
On Sunday night, residents of Hunters Point and Oak Springs went into “go” status, according to Navajo Department of Emergency Management officials.
While a massive evacuation order has not been issued, 15 families living in the fire’s path have evacuated themselves on Sunday, according to the Office of the President.
“The Oak Ridge Fire is an emergency that is threatening our rangelands, public and residential structures, and livestock. We’re receiving reports of residents choosing to stay in their homes even as evacuation alerts intensify. We ask all community members to not act in haste and to prioritize their safety given the growing fire,” said Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
The Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance is considered the official evacuation shelter for families where donations can be dropped off.
On Monday morning, 23 individuals found refuge at the events center and volunteers are needed to monitor overnight stays for the evacuees.
Families and the public are being asked not to self-deploy and urged not go near the fire zones by the Office of the President.
“Our top priority is the safety of our people,” Navajo Nation President, Buu Nygren, said. “We are coordinating with all available resources, including the Department of Emergency Management, Navajo Nation Fire, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to contain this fire and protect lives and property. Please keep our people, our responders and our homeland in your prayers.”
The Oak Ridge Fire ICP will hold a public meeting at Window Rock High School on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. to review evacuation plans and safety alerts.
The Oak Ridge Fire Incident Command Post has also established a public call center for updates and inquiries. For more information, please contact the ICP at (505) 422-7382.
The volunteer help line is (505) 422-7381.
