Author: Donovan Quintero

A fast-moving wildfire southwest of Window Rock has grown to 1,800 acres, triggering heightened emergency response efforts and alerting nearby communities.

Fire crews continued battling the fast-moving Oak Ridge Fire near St. Michaels on Saturday, as local, tribal, and federal emergency agencies coordinated efforts to protect homes, livestock, and infrastructure from a blaze that has scorched more than 200 acres of wooded terrain.

A wildfire burning west of St. Michaels had consumed more than 200 acres on Saturday evening, forcing voluntary evacuations and drawing an aerial firefighting response as crews worked to contain the unrelenting Oak Ridge Fire. 

The Oak Ridge Fire burning west of St. Michaels grew to an estimated 200 acres by Saturday evening after igniting around 1:45 p.m. near Pine Springs Road, approximately 4 miles south of State Highway 264. The fire remained uncontained as smoke billowed over the forested ridgelines and air tankers moved into the area.

A wildfire burning west of St. Michaels sent thick smoke into the sky on Saturday as fire crews responded to the fast-growing Oak Ridge Fire.