Kalle Benallie
ICT
The Oak Ridge Fire is nearing 100 percent containment as of July 11. It has burned approximately 11,000 acres since June 28.
As of Friday, there are no evacuation zones and residents who evacuated are able to return to their residences.
Two of the shelters housing evacuees were closed. On July 4, the Ganado Field House Shelter closed and on July 6, the Fighting Scouts Event Center closed.
The public is still asked to not go near the fire area which is burning. Fire personnel have also decreased to about 60.
“Recovery efforts are now starting as we close our shelters and redistribute donations to the impacted Navajo communities and chapters,” Sharen Sandoval, incident commander for the fire and executive director of the Navajo Department of Emergency Management, said in a statement. “Returning resources to the local level allows our chapters to directly support and care for their communities during this difficult time. It is through this local support that healing and recovery truly begin.”
The St. Micheal’s Chapter, Oak Springs Chapter, Klagetoh Chapter and the Fort Defiance Chapter are not accepting donations.
The Navajo Department of Emergency Management asked for donations to stop on July 3, except for hay and pet food for dogs and cats. On that same day the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry delivered 336 bales of hay at the Window Rock Fairgrounds, where many of the displaced livestock were at.
“As a community, we must continue to come together to take care of animals in need. This donation showed how the act of feeding displaced livestock reflects the Navajo principle of Hózhó, maintaining balance and harmony with the land, animals, and people. It affirms that livestock are not just property, but living beings that deserve care, especially during displacement,” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said in a Facebook post.
Owners of livestock that are sheltering at Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena must coordinate with the Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture.
The Navajo Nation is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which prohibit many uses of fire, firearms, chainsaws and welding equipment.
The Oak Ridge Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Team, which is made up of specialists with expertise in soil science, forestry, geographic information systems and archaeology observed that natural recovery for over 50 percent of the burned area should occur within the first year.
“Without the dedication and hard work of the numerous firefighters and practitioners involved in managing the Oak Ridge Fire, we would not have achieved this progress. Many others have also contributed to the recovery efforts, and we are deeply grateful for their support,” Sandoval said in a Facebook post.
She also added that the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 was given a joint letter signed by President Nygren and a challenge coin from Nygren and the Navajo Department of Emergency Management.
“Your selfless actions have protected our families, livestock homes and our sacred lands. We are humbled by your sacrifice and unwavering dedication to keeping us safe, even under dangerous and exhausting conditions,” Nygren said in a statement to the firefighters. “Your presence brings hope and reassurance to us all. You brought back safety and balance to us during this time of tragedy. We honor your courage and dedication.”
