Navajo Nation lifts evacuations as Oak Ridge Fire nears full containment

The Navajo Nation has lifted all evacuation orders for the Oak Ridge Fire, allowing displaced residents to return home after nearly two weeks, according to the Arizona Mirror. The fire, which began June 29, has burned more than 11,000 acres and is 87 percent contained, according to the Arizona Mirror.

At a July 8 town hall, officials said no homes were lost and no injuries were reported. However, five families with homes inside the burn zone still require police escorts due to ongoing safety concerns. During the meeting, Oak Ridge resident Nelson Roanhorse expressed gratitude to the more than 600 fire personnel who responded. Navajo Nation Police Sgt. Wallace Billy was quoted as saying, “We didn’t lose anyone. We did not lose any structures. We won.”