Wildfire on Navajo Mountain not yet contained as Nation implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

NAVAJO MOUNTAIN, Utah

Over the weekend, a wildfire known as the Bridge Creek Fire continued to burn through rugged terrain on the northwest side of Navajo Mountain, prompting fire officials and tribal leaders to escalate public warnings and implement emergency measures to prevent new ignitions.

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Navajo Region Branch of Fire Management, the fire had grown to 260 acres as of June 15. Aviation crews were still working to contain the blaze, which began on the mountain’s north mid-slope two days earlier. Public safety officials have urged all residents to stay away from the fire zone, citing concerns over heavy smoke, steep terrain, and the presence of communication towers and cultural resources on the mountain.

“There’s no fire coming close to the homes right now, but the fire’s on the west side of the mountain where there’s a canyon,” said Alta Isaac, the community service coordinator for the Navajo Mountain Chapter, on June 13. “We’re just staying alert.”

The fire was first reported at approximately 12:30 p.m. on June 13. Initial BIA reports confirmed lightning as the cause. At that time, the fire’s location was described as the north mid-slope, with the size unconfirmed. Later that day, officials updated the size to 80 acres. By June 15, it had more than tripled.

Air tankers and a rappel module were deployed to the scene. The rugged topography has hindered ground crews, forcing fire managers to rely heavily on aerial suppression methods to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching infrastructure and culturally sensitive sites.

“There’s a repeater tower up there, and I think they’re trying to protect that,” Isaac said. “We had a fire in that same area last year, too. It’s a difficult place to reach, and that’s why they’re using helicopters.”

On June 16, President Buu Nygren issued Executive Order No. 03-2025, enacting Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the Navajo Nation. The order cited high fire danger because of extreme temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds across the region. It prohibits fireworks and outdoor fires, including campfires and coal fires, in all but developed sites and bans the use of firearms and incendiary devices without valid permits.

“This Executive Order shall remain in effect until rescinded or amended,” the order states.

The directive allows propane and petroleum-fueled stoves in designated areas and permits ceremonial fires with prior approval from the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency.

The order also authorizes law enforcement, fire personnel, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to enforce fire restrictions fully. Violators could face penalties of up to $5,000.

The most recent fire update warned that fire activity was expected to remain high throughout the afternoon of June 15, with visible smoke and poor air quality likely into the evening and early morning.

“All residents are encouraged to avoid the wildfire area and access roads to the fire,” BIA stated in bold type across multiple advisories.

Isaac said the chapter house has remained in contact with federal and tribal emergency services and continues to share updates with residents.

“We’re just trying to make sure people don’t panic and that they know to stay away from the mountain area,” she said.

Navajo Mountain, a sacred site straddling the Utah-Arizona border, has long posed wildfire challenges because of its dense vegetation, remoteness, and lack of direct road access. Cultural and historical values add further urgency to fire containment efforts. Officials said the fire is not threatening homes in Navajo Mountain, Utah.

This is the second major fire reported in the BIA Navajo Region in less than a month. On May 23, the Cudei Fire near Shiprock was declared 100 percent contained after burning over 50 acres. That fire also prompted road warnings and extensive mop-up operations involving Navajo Hotshots and regional fire departments.

For residents of Navajo Mountain, the threat from the Bridge Creek Fire remains active. Fire crews continue to monitor the spread from the air while limiting ground operations because of dangerous terrain. Fire officials reiterated that residents should expect smoke in the mornings and evenings, with potential visibility impacts on Navajo Route 12.

Anyone observing fire flare-ups or spotting additional fires is urged to call the BIA Fire Dispatch at (928) 729-2307. Questions specific to the Executive Order and fire prevention policy should be directed to the Navajo Forestry Department at (928) 729-4007.

As the fire season unfolds, Isaac said the community remains on alert.

“We’re used to fires, but each one is different. We just want people to stay safe and keep an eye on updates,” she said.

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