Oak Ridge Fire burns 200 acres near St. Michaels, evacuation center opens at senior center
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Flames push through the dry forest floor as the Oak Ridge Fire burns west of St. Michaels, Ariz., on June 28. Fire crews continue battling the fast-moving wildfire under challenging conditions.
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz.
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.
Fire officials said crews, including the Navajo Scouts, recently returned from wildfire duty in Reserve, New Mexico, had been reassigned to help combat the blaze, which was spreading across dense vegetation. Ground personnel and aircraft were actively working to slow its progress.
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Smoke and flames sweep through dry brush and pine trees as the Oak Ridge Fire intensifies west of St. Michaels, Ariz., on June 28. Firefighters continue urgent efforts to contain the wildfire under challenging, wind-prone conditions.
St. Michaels Chapter Vice President Craig Tsosie said the fire had not significantly progressed since earlier in the afternoon but noted that firefighting operations had intensified.
“There’s no actual size on it now, but we do have air tankers in the area. I believe two air tankers, and there are some fire personnel on foot here,” he said.
As a precaution, chapter officials began setting up an evacuation center at the St. Michael Senior Center, located just east of the chapter compound.
“We are going to be sitting at Saint Michael Senior Center for evacuation for tonight,” Tsosie said.
He said they should have the senior center ready by 7:15 p.m.
He estimated that the facility could accommodate up to 25 people.
“If residents are told to evacuate and don’t have anywhere else to go, they should head to the senior center,” Tsosie said.
He added that the Navajo Department of Emergency Management was leading coordination efforts, although a direct contact number had not yet been distributed.
According to Tsosie, the fire was burning southwest of the St. Michaels Chapter and school area. Chapter officials were also monitoring potential fire movement toward Butterfly Butte, west of Route 12.
“We’re gonna be evacuating. The fire’s directly kind of southwest of the school and the chapter,” he said.
He also noted that community plans were underway to develop housing on the east side of Summit Ridge, stretching southward – possibly toward Butterfly Butte – as part of future mitigation and planning efforts.
Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
A charred log continues to smolder as the Oak Ridge Fire burns through forested land west of St. Michaels, Ariz., on June 28. Crews remain on the scene, working to suppress hotspots and prevent further spread.
No homes had been reported lost, and no injuries had been confirmed. Fire officials have not issued broad evacuation orders, but community leaders urged residents in nearby areas to remain alert and prepare to relocate if necessary.
Additional updates were expected as aerial crews assessed the fire’s perimeter into the night.
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