From the Office of Communications, The Episcopal Church in Navajoland

July 2, 2025

Dear Relatives,

The Oak Ridge Fire continues to pose a serious threat across Navajoland, with growing impacts on families, homes, and sacred land. As firefighting efforts intensify and evacuation orders expand, our priority remains the safety, well-being, and support of those affected. Conditions remain challenging, with the fire still 0% contained and now having consumed over 10,623 acres.

Today’s update includes the latest on evacuation efforts, emergency resources, fire crew deployments, and public donation guidance. We stand with every family facing uncertainty and remain committed to providing timely, accurate information as the situation evolves.

Firefighting Efforts

We are grateful to the brave individuals working tirelessly to contain the fire. Navajo Hotshots have now been assigned to the Oak Ridge Fire, and in addition, Geronimo Hotshots, representing the San Carlos Apache Tribe, are also in attendance. These skilled crews are crucial in the ongoing effort to contain the fire and prevent further devastation.

Evacuations and Shelters

Klagetoh residents have been evacuated, and those seeking shelter are encouraged to visit the Ganado Field House. Over 100 homes have been evacuated, and more than 350 residents are displaced. Shelters have been set up to provide evacuees with food, water, and emotional support services.

Other communities, such as Wide Ruins and St. Michaels, are under Set status, meaning that residents should be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen. Public safety checkpoints have been established along major highways to limit access to affected areas, and we ask that people avoid entering the fire zone.

Livestock Water Station – Ft. Defiance Chapter House

For residents who have been displaced and have livestock, a water station has been set up at the Ft. Defiance Chapter House. The water truck will be available on the east side of the parking lot until 4:45 PM today. This service is offered to help meet the needs of livestock owners affected by the fire.

Donation Information

The Oak Ridge Fire Public Call Center has received numerous inquiries regarding donations. As of now, donations can be made at the Fighting Scouts Events Center, located at Navajo Route 12, Fort Defiance, AZ 86504. The Wellness Center on the Window Rock Fairgrounds is no longer accepting donations.

Suggested Donation Items include:

• New clothing for men, women, and children (shirts, pants, underwear, socks)
• New bedding, blankets, mattresses, cots, and pillows
• Non-perishable packaged foods
• Face masks
• Towels, washcloths, hand towels, and laundry baskets (all new)

Please remember that for other impacted chapters, donations are being handled independently.

Shiprock Chapter Donations

As of June 30, following President Nygren’s declaration of a state of emergency, both the Navajo Nation and the U.S. government can now allocate funds for relief efforts. The Shiprock Chapter is collecting baby diapers (sizes 2, 3, 4, 5), adult diapers (medium, large), and sanitizing wipes (for babies and hands). Donations are being accepted on July 1 and 2, from 8 AM to 4 PM, and will be transported to the main donation center at the Fighting Scouts Events Center in Ft. Defiance, AZ.

From the Navajo Department of Emergency Management:

• The Oak Ridge Fire Incident Command is not accepting monetary donations, including cash, checks, or online payments.
• There are no official GoFundMe accounts or authorized online fundraisers for this fire.
• Be alert to scams and fraudulent donation campaigns.
• Any monetary donation is made at your own risk and is not endorsed by the Navajo Nation.
• Wait for official guidance before making any financial contributions.

For questions, contact the Oak Ridge Fire Public Call Center: 505-422-7382.

Livestock, Pet, and Emergency Supplies

For those who have been evacuated or displaced with livestock or pets, supplies such as hay, minimal dog/cat food, N95 masks, and bottled water are available at the St. Michael’s Chapter Warehouse. Priority will be given to those directly affected by the fire, for St. Michael’s and Oak Springs Chapter Communities.

Ceremonial Fire Guidelines

The Navajo Nation EPA has reminded members planning ceremonial events that require open fires to properly register them. Ceremonial fire registration forms must be submitted at least five days prior to the event. This ensures safety and proper management during this critical time.

Support for First Responders

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to control the blaze and protect our communities. Several events have been organized to support them:

Feeding Event: July 2, 2025, 11 AM – 2 PM, next to Denny’s in St. Michaels, AZ located by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Drive-Thru Event: July 3, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1 PM, at the Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company Corporate Office.

Next Steps

While the fire is not yet under control, our efforts remain focused on providing support to those in immediate need. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep you updated on developments as they occur.

We encourage you to stay informed through official sources, refrain from spreading unverified information, and direct any inquiries to Good Shepherd Mission at 928-729-2322.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers as we face this difficult time together. Our community remains resilient, and with faith and solidarity, we will overcome this challenge.

With love, hope, and prayers,

Office of Communications

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland

Contact: Good Shepherd Mission – 928-729-2322