Navajo Territory implores for prayers as the Oak Ridge Fire persists in its destructive path through the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona.

Navajo Nation's Episcopal Church pleads for prayers as the fire ignited on June 28 in northeastern Arizona's territory is still blazing. The flame, identified as a wildfire, has yet to be contained.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 26 . 2:02 PM

2 min read

Fire raging in Navajo Nation, Navajoland implores prayers in northeastern Arizona

Navajo Territory implores for prayers as the Oak Ridge Fire persists in its destructive path through the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona.

Oak Ridge Fire Ravages Navajo Nation, Evacuations and Support Services Underway

A wildfire known as the Oak Ridge Fire has ignited 8 miles southwest of Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation, on June 28, 2025. The fire has caused approximately 300-500 people, including some Episcopalians, to evacuate their homes.

The Oak Ridge Fire is currently burning through 10,623 acres and is 6% contained. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it is confirmed to be human-caused, possibly by wood haulers. The Navajo Nation President, Buu Nygren, declared a state of emergency on June 29.

The Navajo Nation, the largest Native American tribe by both land and tribal enrollment, spans a large portion of the Four Corners region, including parts of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. The Oak Ridge Fire, which started in the Navajo Nation's territory in northeastern Arizona, has affected some sheep camps belonging to Navajoland Episcopalians.

Fort Defiance and Ganado are providing shelters for evacuees, offering food, water, and emotional support services. The Good Shepherd Mission, an Episcopal church in Fort Defiance, Arizona, which is closest to the wildfire, is playing a significant role in providing support to those affected.

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland is offering prayers and emotional support for those affected by the Oak Ridge Fire. The church's website will post updates as more information becomes available. The communications office for the Farmington, New Mexico-based diocese updated about the Oak Ridge Fire on July 1 on Navajoland's website.

Currently, 508 firefighters are on the ground fighting the Oak Ridge Fire. The Navajo Nation Animal is also sheltering pets and livestock displaced by the wildfire.

The governor of the Navajo Nation during the Oak Ridge fire was Jonathan Nez. As the situation continues to unfold, the Navajo Nation and its communities remain resilient in the face of this natural disaster.