As of Saturday evening, evacuation orders remained active for communities near the Oak Ridge Fire burning on tribal land in eastern Arizona, despite the fire’s growth slowing and containment improving.
The wildfire, which ignited on June 28 southwest of Window Rock, had scorched 10,814 acres by Saturday night, according to the Navajo Department of Emergency Management. Containment reached 42% as of 8:30 p.m.—a modest improvement from July 4, when it measured just under 10,800 acres.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren shared an update on Facebook Saturday, noting that while crews do not expect further expansion of the fire’s perimeter, residents should be prepared for an increase in smoke as firefighting efforts continue. A total of 599 personnel remain on the ground battling the flames.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs visited the Oak Ridge Fire Incident Command post over the weekend to meet with emergency officials and discuss the upcoming recovery phase. The fire is currently under the direction of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, which includes federal and state wildfire response agencies.
Evacuation and Fire Restriction Updates
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect across the affected region. Several communities are still under “GO” evacuation orders, urging residents to seek immediate shelter and steer clear of restricted areas. These include St. Michael’s neighborhoods around Roads 603, 604, 605, and Navajo Telecommunications Road.
Communities west of mile marker 12 on Navajo Route 12—including Hunters Point and Oak Springs—are under a “SET” alert, meaning they should be prepared to leave if the fire behavior worsens.
The area near the Klagetoh substation on Transwestern Pipeline Road was downgraded to “READY” status on Saturday night as shifting winds pushed the flames further west. Other surrounding areas remain on alert, advised to stay vigilant and ready to evacuate if necessary.
Emergency shelters used earlier in the week have begun to close. The Bee Hółdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center in Fort Defiance shut down at 5 p.m. Friday, with evacuees either returning home or finding alternative shelter. Likewise, those evacuated from Klagetoh and housed at the Ganado Fieldhouse were cleared to return home by noon Friday.
Officials believe the fire may have been accidentally sparked by two wood haulers who were cutting fresh oak in the area.
With the blaze nearly halfway contained, response teams are cautiously optimistic but continue to urge residents to stay informed and ready as fire suppression efforts continue into the week.
