Thunderstorm winds could reignite Oak Ridge Fire, officials warn

WINDOW ROCK

The rains were a welcome relief for everyone affected by the Oak Ridge Fire, which has burned more than 10,600 acres to date.

Whether the welcome rains made a difference or not, the fire was 6% contained and had burned 10,623 acres as of Thursday.

However, with weather conditions over the Oak Ridge Fire remaining unstable, fire officials said gusty winds from thunderstorms could reignite fire areas and increase the fire’s spread.

“We’ve had a high-pressure system that’s been parked over the fire area for several days now,” said Incident Meteorologist Rich Thompson of the National Weather Service. “That’s causing the dry, hot weather and the winds to push from the east.”

Thompson said the fire area is expected to see thunderstorms that may bring little rain but could generate strong outflow winds.

“We’re looking at gusty winds and elevated fire weather again toward the end of the week,” he said. “Thunderstorm outflows could cause rapid fire movement or reignite areas that appear controlled.”

Stuart Turner, a fire behavior analyst assigned to the incident, said crews see typical surface fire behavior but remain alert.

“The fuels in this area are very receptive to fire,” he said. “What we’ve been seeing is fire moving mostly through the grass and timber understory. Where the wind lines up with the terrain, we get more active runs.”

Evacuation orders remain in effect in the most heavily affected areas. Zones 1 and 2 are still under “Go” status, requiring residents to evacuate.

According to the Navajo Department of Emergency Management, changes have been made to the evacuation statuses of Zones 6 and 7, transitioning from “Set” to “Ready” status. A part of Zone 6, which the community of Klagetoh is included in, was cut off and made into Zone 11, located east toward Pine Springs, and stays in “Set” status.

Officials did not say which part of Zone 6 was taken.

The downgrade from “Set” to “Ready” status signals a reduced risk, meaning residents in these zones are no longer required to prepare for immediate evacuation but are urged to stay alert.

Zones 3, 5, 10, and 11 remain in “Set” status, while Zones 9 and the recently downgraded zones are in “Ready.”

Despite reports of no one from the Klagetoh and Transwestern areas, the Ganado Fieldhouse remains open 24/7 as a shelter for evacuees from Zones 1, 6, 7, and 8. It provides cots, snacks, restrooms, and showers.

As the fires dissipate, a new health risk has been identified.

Smoke from the fire continues to affect Fort Defiance, Window Rock, St. Michaels, and nearby areas.

In St. Michaels, chapter officials issued a health alert on Wednesday.

“Smoke from the Oak Ridge Fire is creating dangerous air quality conditions across our region,” they wrote on the chapter’s social media page. “Please take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe—especially seniors, children, and those with asthma, heart, or lung conditions.”

The Wide Ruins Chapter also issued a health notice, noting that smoke has affected air quality while the community is not in the fire’s direct path. The chapter has begun collecting water, food, face masks, and hygiene supplies for fire-impacted families. Chapter staff identified elders and high-risk residents and placed them on a welfare check list to ensure regular support.

A temporary flight restriction is still in place over the fire zone. Fire officials stressed that unauthorized drones would force all aerial operations to stop immediately.

“If you fly, we can’t,” the team warned.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by texting “NavajoNation” (no space) to 888777.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect.