Arizona fire officials battle Oak Ridge Fire

The Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance is the evacuation shelter.

PHOENIX — Fire crews are currently fighting the Oak Ridge Fire, burning eight miles southwest of Window Rock. 

The fire started on Saturday, June 28 and has burned 11,027 acres since then. It is 87% contained. 

“Resources are gradually being released from the incident so they can get much deserved rest and be ready to respond to fires elsewhere,” a statement from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Fire Management said. 

Officials said 457 firefighters are fighting the fire. More than 100 homes and 350 people were evacuated.

Head to 12news.com/wildfires to get the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.

Official call center to take questions from the public: 505-422-7382

You can sign up for free emergency alerts across the Navajo Nation by texting ‘NavajoNation’ (no space) to number 888777.

The following communities are under the “GO” order and have been asked to evacuate:

The following communities are under the “SET” order and have been asked to prepare for possible evacuation:

The following communities are under the “READY” order and have been asked to be aware of nearby fire danger:

Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.

A shelter for evacuees is located at the Window Rock Fighting Scouts Event Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Donations can be dropped off there.

Pine Springs Road off of Highway 264 is closed.

Summit Road 9000 and the access road to the El Paso Natural Gas Company remain closed. The Navajo Nation Police Department is monitoring Navajo Route 12 in St. Michaels to manage traffic near emergency operations.

The fire is 42% contained and residents in the area are asked to follow the direction of fire officials and public safety personnel. 

The following resources are responding to the fire:

“We’re still receiving updates from BIA Fire regarding the extent of the evacuation,” said Navajo Nation Police Lieutenant Tyler Lynch. “Per BIA Fire, we plan to halt evacuations at midnight and redeploy our resources in the morning.”

Lieutenant Lynch also said that the fire was caused by wood haulers operating in the Pine Springs Road area.

“Please do not go near the fire to take photos,” Lt. Lynch advised. “This can interfere with public safety. Be cautious and slow down on Route 12 and State Highway 264. Expect to see Navajo Police and Fire personnel responding rapidly, so please watch out for first responders.”

The Navajo Forestry, Fish and Wildlife, Park Rangers, and Resource Enforcement are all on site and assisting. Department of Agriculture and DRE continue to evacuate livestock and water/feed. Livestock are being moved to the Window Rock Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are open if a staging area is needed. For Information: 928-270-8062

Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supplies kit to bring with them of they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizona residents are beginning to see early widespread fire activity throughout the state. 

An emergency supply kit should be put together long before a wildfire or another disaster occurs. Make sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers. 

Residents should make sure they have the necessities, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first-aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and non-prescription drugs should also be taken into account.  

Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records, and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and put into a waterproof, portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.  

The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including: 

The entire NFPA checklist of supplies can be found here. 

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