Navajo Nation Warning:

100 Fire Fighters Fighting Wild Fire – Open Fire Band Remains

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

KLAGETOH, ARIZONA – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly reminds people of an existing Navajo Nation open fire ban as more than 100 fire fighters from the Navajo Nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Apache County and other agencies have responded to a fire south of Klagetoh that started Monday afternoon.

Klagetoh Wild Fire broke out Monday

“We have a open fire ban in place because the conditions of our lands are dangerously dry. Please honor the fire ban to prevent wild fires,”

President Shelly said.

The size of the fire is still being gauged, said emergency personnel.

US Hwy 191 has been closed from milepost 392 to 394 and travelers are being advised to find alternative routes.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and fire crews are still working to contain the blaze.

A handful of families have been evacuated due to the fire, and emergency shelters have been put in place at Wide Ruins and Klagetoh Chapter Houses.

No structures have been burned by the fire.

“We need everyone to be careful and I want to thank our fire fighters for helping care for our Mother Earth and protecting the homes of our people,”

President Shelly said.

Fire crews will continue to work until the fire is contained.

posted June 12, 2012 6:30 am edt