Kalle Benallie
ICT
NAVAJO NATION — Smoke from the Oak Ridge Fire clouded the view south of Fort Defiance, Arizona. The closer you got to the ground, the more dark gray the smoke.
The wind picked up speed as the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Fire Management was conducting their public meeting Monday, June 30 at the Fighting Scouts Field House.
Dozens of concerned citizens gathered to hear the speakers, including Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, to give updates and information on the Oak Ridge Fire that began on Saturday, June 28.
Free sandwiches were offered upon entering with attendees taking some during the presentation.
Some at the meeting were wearing masks to protect themselves from the ash, poor air quality, and dirt being blown around by the wind. The wind plays a factor in living in the nation — and it’s primarily driving the spread of the fire.
“Let’s fight together, let’s support one another, let’s get through this together because there’s a lot more that we got to continue to do as we stand with one another,” President Nygren told the crowd. “Let’s make sure that we do not get in the way, especially with the photos and things that are happening.”
Monica Polacca, Navajo, lives in the Hunters Point area just northeast of the border of the estimated fire area. She said the fire was so close that it looked like it was right behind her house. It was rapidly growing with smoke and ash.
They left quickly.
She, her son, grandmother, and uncle were evacuated on Saturday, a multigenerational household that is nothing new for Navajo or even Native people.
“It’s been a very difficult time for our family, especially our grandma. We’re deeply concerned about her. Our grandma is going to be 100 years young in a couple weeks. We’re especially concerned about her health and air quality,” Polacca said.
Their livestock was taken to safety at the Navajo Nation Fair Grounds Dean Jackson Arena, where evacuated livestock are being sent to.
Some belongings they grabbed were prayer boxes and medicines from the Native American Church, the clothes they had, and their dog. The Navajo Education Center in Window Rock, Arizona, the capital of the Navajo Nation, has donated dog and cat food available
“That to me is something that is essential in our life, in our family,” Polacca said. “ We were hoping we would be back home by [July 1] but from the looks of it, it looks like it’s going to be a while before we get home.”
They are now staying in a nearby hotel in St. Michaels, Arizona, which is northwest of the fire.
The Oak Ridge Fire is 10,623 acres and is 0 percent contained as of July 2 at 9:15 a.m. Mountain Time, according to the Navajo Department of Emergency Management.
“There are a total of 508 fire fighters fighting the blaze,” stated the department on social media.
One hundred homes and 350 people have been evacuated.
Officials are using the ready-set-go system for evacuations to help wildfire preparedness. “READY” means prepare for evacuation, “SET” means prepare to leave at a moment’s notice and “GO” means must evacuate immediately.
The Bureau of Indian Affair’s Complex Incident Management Team, made up of federal and state wildfire agencies — including BIA, State of Arizona and State of New Mexico — are in charge of the command center.
The Window Rock High School’s Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center serves as the only evacuation shelter and is accepting donations.
While the fire continues to grow, many are in pre-READY mode like Sophie T.
She went to the Monday meeting with her grandchildren. They live in St. Michael’s.
Sophie is waiting to hear if they will need to evacuate. She plans to take personal items if needed.
“It kind of went towards south. Just a little smoke here and there in that area where it started,” Sophie said about the fire being near her home.
Bobby Tsinajinie, Navajo, said his house is right near the 264 highway, which is north of the fire. He said the morning sky on Monday looked like fog and it cleared by late morning.
“Last night we were looking out the window. We can still see the flame going up then it dies down and comes back up. It was doing that all night long,” he said.
Tsinajinie came with his wife to the meeting. They are still at their house and are ready to leave with their son taking the dogs, personal belongings and vehicles.
Volunteers and donations are coming in to help in any way they can.
The St. Michael’s, Fort Defiance, and the Oak Springs Chapters, now headquartered at St. Michaels Senior Center, are operating their own volunteer teams and donations separate from the Navajo Nation’s Incident Command Post.
RESOURCES
- For updates from the Department of Emergency Management, text “Navajo Nation” to 888777.
- The Navajo Nation Office of the President website has updates on the Oak Ridge Fire, including donations and where to take them.
- The updated evacuation map is here.
- Call center for the public to ask questions: 505-422-7382
- Livestock Evacuation Support: 505-422-7382
- Donations for livestock and livestock relocation: 928-270-8062 and 928-410-9656.
