Oak Ridge Fire containment advances as Navajo Nation faces triple-digit heat, elevated fire danger

WINDOW ROCK

The Oak Ridge Fire has burned 10,814 acres southwest of Window Rock and remains 42% contained as of Sunday. Crews are bracing for extreme temperatures and critically dry fuels that threaten to spark new fires across the region.

Firefighters continue to work the southern edge of the fire near Hunters Point, Oak Springs, and Pine Springs. Operations Chief Tyler Chesarek said infrared maps helped crews locate and suppress hot spots.

“Crews were able to get around, get some depth, and hit some of the hot spots of concern,” he said.

A controlled burn near Oak Springs was also successful. Teams pushed northward and secured lines near the Klagetoh, Arizona, area.

“They’re going to go back in there and secure that line and continue to try and add to some containment,” Chesarek said.

However, with conditions expected to worsen, Chesarek urged caution.

“Fuels are starting to dry out, potential for additional fires outside of this fire are there. So we want you guys to stay safe,” he said.

Incident Meteorologist Rich Thompson said there’s a 10 to 15% chance of thunderstorms developing around the fire.

“They will not produce a lot of rainfall, so the greatest threat for these thunderstorms will be dry lightning strikes,” he said, warning of strong, erratic winds and humidity dropping into the single digits.

“It’s going to be just very hot and dry week upcoming for the area,” Thompson said, with temperatures expected to rise significantly across the Navajo Nation.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service in Arizona show Window Rock reaching 94 degrees by midweek, while Chinle and Kayenta could hit 98 and 97, respectively. Tuba City could reach triple digits by Tuesday, with a forecast of 101 degrees.

Stuart Turner, a fire behavior analyst, echoed concerns over the dry fuel.

“Those fuels will continue to dry. They will be critically dry once again,” he said. “Without those heavy winds, we’re not going to see those rapid rates of spread, but we will continue to see ignitions and issues if we’re not careful.”

A July 4 infrared overflight showed widespread scattered and isolated heat across the fire zone. Firefighters continue to monitor the perimeter and conduct mop-up operations to increase containment.

Meanwhile, the Navajo Department of Emergency Management announced that the Fighting Scouts Events Center shelter, which housed evacuees, closed on Saturday.

The NDEM announced on Sunday that help is needed with cleaning and shutting down the evacuee shelter at the Fighting Scouts Event Center.

The Ganado Field House, which also served as a shelter for evacuees, closed on Friday.

Since the fire began, more than 350 people and 100 homes have been evacuated. Many have sought shelter with relatives, while others have relied on the centers for refuge.

Livestock displaced by the fire remain housed at the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena in St. Michaels. Officials have not yet announced when it will be safe for the animals or their owners to return home.

Only Zone 12, the area at the center of the fire, remains under a “Go” evacuation order. Areas closest to the center of the fire known as zones 1, 2, 4, 10, and 11 are in “Set” status, while areas in St. Michaels, and areas east of Klagetoh designated as zones 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are in “Ready.” Fire personnel continue to assess the risk to surrounding communities.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across the Navajo Nation. The rules prohibit fireworks, open flames, charcoal or wood fires, target shooting outside legal hunting, chainsaw and welding use between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., and all trash burning. Extreme caution is urged when smoking or driving through grassy areas.

The Navajo Police Department will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for violations. Fines can reach up to $5,000, and violators may face civil or criminal charges under Title 17 of the Navajo Nation Criminal Code.

For the latest fire updates, evacuation zone status, or to sign up for emergency alerts, residents can call 505-422-7382 or 505-371-8355, or text “NavajoNation” to 888777.

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