All evacuations lifted as Oak Ridge Fire nearly contained on Navajo Nation
Fire is 87% contained
WINDOW ROCK, AZ (AZFamily) — Everyone can go home as fire officials announced on Tuesday morning that all evacuation statuses related to the Oak Ridge Fire have been lifted. That means no area is under any of the “Ready,” “Set,” or “Go” statuses.
The announcement comes as the flames are 87% contained and after burning 11,027 acres, as of 9:30 p.m. on Monday.
The Oak Ridge Fire first sparked around 2:40 p.m. on June 28, about 5 to 8 miles southwest of St. Michaels.
At one point, over 600 firefighters battled the blaze. That number has dropped to 397. Officials said the fire was threatening multiple buildings, ranches and a communication tower.
Owners of evacuated livestock must contact DNR Central Dispatch at (928) 871-6491 or (928) 871-7041 to coordinate the pickup of their animals. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Resource Enforcement are available to help transport larger loads and to provide guidance on livestock aftercare.
Click/tap here to see the public safety closure map.
Hazards such as stump holes, ash pits and tree snags remain within the fire area. The public is asked not to enter the affected areas on the map.
Navajo police say there will be checkpoints along:
- Highway 264 and 9000 Road (also known as South Summit Road)
- Route 12 and Oak Springs Road
- Transwestern Pipeline Road and 9000 Road
If residents experience utility issues, call Navajo Tribal Utility Authority at (800) 528-5011.
Officials say the fire is human-caused. There are two people of interest who have been identified, according to Alastair Lee Bitsoi, public information officer for the Oak Ridge Fire Incident Command Post. Authorities say the individuals were wood haulers cutting fresh oaks.
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