Oak Ridge fire reaches 75% containment, most evacuation orders downgraded

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona (ABC4) — The Oak Ridge fire burning near the Navajo Nation is now at 75% containment and over 10,000 acres, according to the latest updates, and only one zone remains under a “go” evacuation order.

On Sunday, officials announced that the fire reached 75% containment, and as of Monday, it had burned 10,934 acres.

According to the Navajo Department of Emergency Management, on Monday, crews conducted a firing operation Monday to “secure a section of fire line on the western finger.”

Reportedly, it was a successful, low intensity burn, and it removed ground vegetation and dead sticks, branches, and logs. A firing operation refers to lighting fires to consume fuel (vegetation, branches, etc.), essentially removing that fuel so the fire cannot spread in that area.

According to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, some firefighters are being released from their duties so they can take time to rest. Initial attack crews are going to stay alert in case the fire grows unexpectantly.

President Nygren also encouraged all residents to follow the stage 2 fire restrictions. Under stage 2 restrictions, absolutely no open flames of any kind are allowed (with the exception of gas grills, stoves, etc.). President Nygren stated it also means that any and all ceremonial fires need to be registered with Navajo Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality at (928) 729-4246.

Zone 12 remains the only zone under a “go” evacuation order. Zones 1, 2, 4, 10, and 11 are under “set” orders. You can view an interactive map of evacuation orders here.

For more information about the terms firefighters use when fighting wildfires, ABC4.com created a wildland firefighting terminologies explainer.