Oak Ridge Fire burns 9,846 acres as crews battle shifting winds, forcing evacuations

WINDOW ROCK

Communities west of the Oak Ridge Fire woke to choking smoke and the smell of monsoon rains on Tuesday morning.

The fire continued its unrelenting spread has burned 9,846 acres. With zero percent containment reported, officials now hope incoming monsoon rains might slow the wildfire’s advance and bring relief to exhausted crews and displaced residents.

Roughly 350 people have been forced to evacuate from about 100 homes since the fire ignited southwest of the Navajo Nation capital. Fueled by dry vegetation, rugged terrain, and high winds, the blaze has drawn a massive response – 420 firefighters are now working around the clock to hold it back.

At a public meeting held Monday evening at the Fighting Scouts Field House in Fort Defiance, fire officials, tribal leaders, and federal partners provided updates and urged the public to prepare for a prolonged emergency response.

Fire Chief Rocky Gilbert of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 warned that the fire’s direction remained unpredictable because of shifting winds.

“Winds are expected to shift and gust up to 30 miles per hour,” Gilbert said on Monday evening. “Crews have worked hard to build containment lines, but the terrain is difficult, and conditions are changing fast.”

Despite the challenges, some progress was reported. The fire’s growth slowed significantly Monday, gaining just 250 acres compared to 5,000 the day before. Bill Morse, the spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2, cautioned against complacency.

“That’s a much better day than yesterday,” Morse said. “But with wildfire, things can change. Wind direction can shift, and the fire can start pushing again from a different angle.”

The fire remains active near the Transwestern Pipeline corridor and continues to threaten surrounding communities, including Hunters Point and Oak Springs. Areas west of Route 12, from the El Paso gas station to milepost 12, remain under “Go” evacuation status.

Navajo Police Lt. Tyler Lynch, who serves as the incident commander for the Navajo Nation, explained the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation system.

“Ready” means prepare now – get your go bag, gather your important documents, and decide where you’ll go,” Lynch said. “‘Set’ means you’re packed and ready to evacuate the moment we say so. And ‘Go’ means immediate danger, and you need to evacuate.”

He urged residents not to hesitate when evacuation orders are issued.

“There’s plenty of room at the Fighting Scouts Event Center and the Division of Diné Education,” Lynch said. “Don’t be embarrassed to use the shelters. That’s what they’re there for.”

To reduce the risk of additional wildfires, President Buu Nygren signed an executive order, instituting Stage 2 Fire Restrictions across the Navajo Nation. The order bans fireworks, open flames, including charcoal and wood fires, and restricts chainsaw use during peak hours. Violators could face fines up to $5,000.

“Stage 2 restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the public and our natural resources,” Nygren said. “Our government must act quickly, and we’ve taken steps to ensure supplies and assistance are not held up by red tape.”

He thanked the firefighters and the community for their swift response.

“Those first 55 were warriors,” Nygren said, referring to the initial firefighting crew. “Our people are stepping up, donating food, volunteering at shelters, and helping neighbors evacuate.”

Nygren also encouraged residents to sign up for emergency text alerts by texting “Navajo Nation” to 888777 and stressed the importance of following incident command protocols.

“We need to rely on our experts and follow the chain of command,” he said to the attending crowd.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley emphasized the need to avoid misinformation, stay informed, and reduce road traffic in impacted areas.

“If someone’s told to evacuate, this is not just about shelter – it’s also about access to food, power, and support services,” Curley said. “This isn’t the time for TikTok or Instagram videos. Let’s avoid unnecessary traffic and let first responders do their work.”

She also warned the public that no official GoFundMe accounts have been created for the fire and urged caution around online scams. Curley called on families to monitor the safety of elders, conserve water and electricity, and watch for displaced wildlife.

“We’re just asking for our people’s cooperation, patience, and prayers,” she said. “Keep our people and all of our firefighters in your thoughts.”

BIA Navajo Region Director Deborah Shirley said her agency is assisting with fire suppression efforts, livestock relocation, and logistical coordination.

“We’re providing fencing, water access for livestock, and coordinating with the Navajo Nation on resource deliveries,” Shirley said.

Incident Commander John Truett said his team saw worsening fire behavior Monday night as winds picked up.

“We’re getting 50-mile-per-hour winds on the fire line right now,” Truett said. “It stayed put most of the day, but it’s making a strong push to the southwest.”

Truett assured residents that firefighting strategies are being developed in coordination with tribal officials to avoid disturbing culturally sensitive areas.

“Today (Monday) is the 12th anniversary of the Yarnell Hill Fire, when 19 firefighters were lost,” Truett said. “We take that memory with us and are committed to protecting this community.”

The Navajo Department of Emergency Management stated on Tuesday morning that the fire crossed Pine Springs Road, which would indicate the fire moved westward overnight.

However, relief may be on the horizon.

According to the National Weather Service, monsoon storms are expected to develop this evening, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance of heavy afternoon rain. While the moisture could assist in firefighting, officials caution that sudden downpours may also increase the risk of flash flooding in burn areas.

Officials continue to urge the public to stay informed through updates from the Navajo Department of Emergency Management, the Navajo Nation Council, the Navajo Nation Police, and the president’s office.

For fire-related questions, the public can call the 24-hour hotline at 505-422-7382.

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