PHOENIX, AZ — Evacuation orders remain in effect Monday as the fast-growing Oak Ridge Fire continues to burn across tribal land in eastern Arizona, with officials reporting over 6,200 acres scorched and no containment.
The wildfire, which ignited Saturday afternoon southwest of Window Rock, has prompted urgent action from local, state, and federal agencies. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team, a specialized group coordinating complex wildfire responses, officially assumed command of firefighting operations at 6 a.m. Monday.
“We still have hot, dry conditions. We’re expecting windy conditions until about midnight tonight,” said Amelia Taylor, liaison officer for the management team, in a statement shared by the Navajo Department of Emergency Management. “We’ve got lots of resources coming in, and we’ve got the best guys on the ground going at it directly.”
Evacuation Orders and Shelter Information
Communities under “GO” evacuation orders include:
- Hunters Point and Oak Springs, west of mile marker 12 on Navajo Route 12, extending north to the El Paso Gas Station.
- Parts of St. Michael’s, including residents along Roads 603, 604, and 605, and Navajo Telecommunications Road.
Residents in Oak Springs north of the El Paso Gas Station are on “SET” status, meaning they should be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.
A shelter for displaced residents has been opened at the Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance, providing temporary accommodations and resources.
Public Meeting Scheduled
Officials will provide updates and address community concerns during a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Fighting Scouts Field House in Fort Defiance.
Cause of the Fire
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren confirmed that two wood haulers are suspected of starting the blaze while cutting fresh oak in the area. The incident remains under investigation.
Fire crews are bracing for challenging conditions as high winds and dry weather persist, complicating containment efforts.
Authorities urge residents to stay alert, follow evacuation instructions, and monitor official channels for updates.
