Fire burning on Navajo Mountain in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Several agencies are at the scene of a fire burning on the west side of Navajo Mountain in San Juan County.

The fire was reported to the Kayenta Fire Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs around 1 p.m. Friday. Sharen Sandoval, Director of the Navajo Department of Emergency Management, said the fire is located on the west side of the mountain.

Agencies including the Navajo Nation Fire, the Kayenta Fire Department and the U.S. Park Service are currently monitoring the fire, and helicopters from the Bureau of Indian Affairs have been dispatched to help with the fire.

The Kayenta Fire Department advises residents in the area and surrounding communities to give emergency vehicles room to work and remain vigilant as crews work to contain it. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren says crews are mobilizing to the fire as quickly as possible.

“We are also ensuring that BIA and our local fire departments can do what they need to do without interference,” President Nygren adds.

Navajo Nation is under Stage 1 fire restrictions due to high fire danger, ongoing drought conditions and potential flooding threats. During these restrictions, open fires such as campfires, charcoal and coal fires are prohibited, with some exceptions.

“This is a good reminder for the Navajo public and tourists to be mindful and that fires like these are preventable,” President Nygren said.

There is no update on the cause or size of the fire. No residents have been affected at this time.