Shirley restricts burning
Navajoland besieged by flames

Pat Willetto, left, incident commander for the Pine Springs fire, answers questions from the media along with Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. late Sunday night in Pine Springs, Ariz. Shirley has signed an executive order restricting fires on the Navajo Nation. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — With nine fires scorching the Navajo Nation in less than a week, President Joe Shirley Jr. signed a resolution declaring a State of Emergency.

With the current drought conditions in the Southwest, the nation is faced with substantial risk for wildland fires. On Monday evening, a quorum voted in a resolution that urged all branches of the Navajo Nation to begin planning and implementing their respective emergency responses. An initial State of Emergency was declared June 6, 2006, when the Kinlichee fire burned more than 1,655 acres.

Shirley has issued an executive order restricting fires across tribal forests and woodlands.

The order issued Monday prohibits all fires, including trash burning and fires used during family reunions. The burning of cropland or rangeland is also prohibited along with the use of chain saws without spark arrestors.

Shirley's order also outlaws smoking and fireworks on the reservation's forests and woodlands.

Traditional Navajo ceremonies requiring the use of fire will require a burn permit from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Commission of Emergency Management began contemplating the resolution this weekend, when numerous fires started as a result of lightning.

A fire in Navajo Mountain that began this past weekend was the catalyst to pass the resolution.

At 2:30 p.m. Monday, an aerial assessment was done of the Navajo Mountain fire, and by Monday evening, more than 1,000 acres had burned. Winds from 10-15 miles per hour caused the fire to spread rapidly on the east side of the mountain.

"It created the emergency situation at 2 p.m. this afternoon," said Selena Manychildren, public information officer for the Department of Management.

An evacuation of the area began Monday afternoon, and two people had to be transported to the hospital because of respiratory problems. Officials said there were no homes in danger, but there is a concern over the towers at the top of Navajo Mountain.

Around 5 p.m., officials declared the fire out of control. Initially, officials decided not to use slurry drops because of an abundance of herbal medicines in the area. However, the size of the fire eventually forced fire crews to get permission to use slurry.

"The Navajo Mountain fire is still raging and conditions are the same," said Manychildren around 7 p.m. Monday evening.

By 8 p.m. Monday evening, a "hot shot" crew from Albuquerque and another crew from Flagstaff was scheduled to arrive. The Hopi tribe will also be sending a crew on this morning.

More fires on rez
On Sunday afternoon, a fire started in Pine Springs, just north of the Pine Springs School. Around 3:35 Monday afternoon, officials said the fire spread due to increased winds.

"They had it under control Sunday evening by 12 a.m.," said Manychildren.

Monday afternoon, BIA forestry crews were on site completing a mop-up. BIA Forestry officials said the Pine Springs fire burned about 50 acres.

"They have numerous hot spots," said Manychildren.

By Monday evening, the Pine Springs fire was 75 percent contained around the perimeter.

Sunday evening, 33 residents evacuated the community and stayed at the school overnight. There was no danger to structures, utilities, or human life. Officials said they are hoping that the fire will be contained by Monday night. The cause of the fire is also due to lightning.

Turkey Springs, just north of Whiteclay, also had a lightning caused fire that burned nine acres. Monday evening, fire crews were in the area putting out hot spots, with the fire 85 percent contained.

At 4:55 Monday evening, a fire south of the To'yee Police Academy was reported. The flames were contained by 5:52 p.m.

At 5:50 p.m. Monday evening, a fire on Black Soil Road between Kinlichee and Sawmill picnic grounds, was also reported. A fire crew responded, and increasing smoke was reported, although the status of the fire was not known by Monday evening.

This past weekend, a fire on the East side of Beautiful Mountain, west of Sanostee Chapter House, was caused by lightning and burned 2.2 acres. It was 100 percent contained by late Sunday afternoon.

Black Mesa, just four miles north of Blue Gap, also had a fire which started Saturday afternoon. It was under control Sunday afternoon, but was still burning on Monday. The location of the fire did have natural barriers that helped to control it, and no structural areas were in danger.

A trash fire that flared up at Forest Lake Sunday afternoon was quickly extinguished and a fire north of Painted Desert Sunday evening was quickly controlled by Hopi Fire Department.

Last week, the Kinlichee Two Fire forced residents to be evacuated from their homes for two nights. Officials have declared the fire as human caused, and are conducting an investigation. Although no structures were burned, the fire has caused three families to seek permanent housing because of damage done by smoke. The families were accommodated at Quality Inn in Window Rock over the weekend.

With this many fires flaring up in such a short period of time, officials are worried that firefighters are being worn out. And with the drought, they aren't expecting it to slow down.

"It's going to be a busy season," said Manychildren.

The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety is requesting donations from the community and local businesses, such as water, Gatorade, fruits, energy bars, on-perishable foods, blankets, and hygiene products. To help, call 928-871-6028.