Smoke rises over St. Michaels as Oak Ridge Fire spreads

By Donovan Quintero | Jun 28, 2025 | Oak Ridge Fire |

ST. MICHAELS

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.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
A firefighting aircraft flies over towering pines as smoke from the Oak Ridge Fire billows west of St. Michaels, Ariz., on June 28. Fire crews continue battling the blaze as it advances through the rugged terrain.

The blaze remains uncontained and is located approximately 4 miles south of State Highway 264 along a dirt route known as Pine Springs Road. A tall plume of smoke rose above the pine-covered ridgeline from the highway, drawing concern from drivers and nearby residents.

Residents living near the fire say it has surrounded a sheep camp. It’s unknown if anyone is occupying the camp but they say a lone fire truck sped to the scene.

Special to the Times | Donovan Quintero
Thick plumes of smoke rise above the pine forest as the Oak Ridge Fire burns west of St. Michaels, Ariz., on June 28. Fire crews are responding to the fast-growing blaze near rural roads and forested areas.

As the residents provided a quick account of the fire, a convoy of BIA forestry fire crews was seen heading toward the smoke.

The number of acres burned had not been determined as of Saturday afternoon, and fire officials had not released containment figures.

Crews that had recently returned from firefighting operations in Reserve, New Mexico, including the Navajo Scouts, have since been reassigned to assist in suppressing the Oak Ridge Fire. Conditions on the ground remain dry and susceptible to wind-driven flare-ups, raising the urgency of the response.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. Fire management teams have not yet issued evacuation notices but are closely monitoring nearby communities.

More updates are expected as firefighting efforts continue.