Bowl Canyon Fire near Asááyi’ Lake burns 100 acres
Courtesy | Andy Nez, 25th Navajo Nation Council
An air tanker drops retardant over the Bowl Canyon Fire near Asááyi’ Lake on Sunday, July 27.
WINDOW ROCK
A wildfire near the Asááyi’ Lake area, located south of Navajo, New Mexico, has burned approximately 100 acres and is suspected to be human-caused, according to fire officials.
Information from the scene indicates the fire was likely started intentionally, according to a fire official who is familiar with the fire.
“(It) intentionally was started, man caused,” said a fire official familiar with the incident.
The fire, first reported Sunday afternoon, prompted a coordinated response from the Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue and local crews from Navajo Pine. Resources on scene include two air tankers, three water tenders, four Type 6 engines, and hand crews working under a Type 2 initial attack designation.
“The wind is pushing north,” the official said. “Hand crews and engine crews are hitting the flanks in order to pinch off the head of the fire.”
The Navajo Police Department, in a public update issued at 5:38 p.m., reported that the fire has burned approximately 100 acres. Navajo Resource Enforcement and officers from the Window Rock Police District are on site, assisting with traffic enforcement and road closures.
Delegate Andy Nez, who represents the areas, said the fire is located at an area called Yellow Tsé Point, north of Asááyi’ Lake.
“Residents should remain alarmed of any orders from immediate fire personnel. I was informed PD (Navajo Nation Police Department) is on site to assist and apprise where needed, including CHR,” Nez texted on Sunday.
All entrances leading to Asááyi’ Lake are now closed at both the entrance and exit points, and the entire Asááyi’ Lake area is closed to the public until further notice, stated Navajo police. Authorities are urging people to stay away for their safety and to allow fire and law enforcement crews to work without interference.
“If anyone is in the Asááyi’ Lake area, please leave the area for your safety,” the police department advised.
The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority plans to shut off power lines near the fire area overnight.
Air Attack personnel, additional air tankers, and a helicopter have been dispatched to support firefighting operations.
No critical infrastructure has been reported at risk as of Sunday evening. However, the fire remains uncontained.
“As far as I know, no containment,” the fire official said.
Emergency medical personnel responded to assist one Bureau of Indian Affairs firefighter, though the reason for the medical attention remains unknown.
“Medical assistance for one BIA firefighter. Unknown for reason,” the fire official added.
Fire crews are expected to remain on scene overnight to continue suppression efforts and monitor conditions.
The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow