Salt Creek Fire Prompts Evacuations In Navajo Nation
May 2, 2021, 1:28 PM
(Courtesy BIA Wildland Fire Management - Navajo Region)
(Courtesy BIA Wildland Fire Management - Navajo Region)
SHIPROCK, N.M. – Residents have been evacuated out of an area northwest of Shiprock, New Mexico in the Navajo Nation after a wildfire broke out overnight.
Crews with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Fire Management were called to an area about five miles from the city early Sunday morning.
Details about how exactly the fire started were not available.
Officers from the Navajo Nation Police Department notified residents in the area of the need to evacuate. The number of people impacted was not known.
Around noon, the fire was estimated at 120 acres with 0% containment.
Officials said the Salt Creek Fire was fueled by Russian olive trees, salt cedar bushes, brush and grass. Flames as high as 20 to 40 feet were reported.
Ground and aerial support crews have been able to contain the fire to an area east of the river and west of Mesa Farm.
Weather was expected to be a factor, with strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity expected during the afternoon. Winds have been forecasted for up to 30 mph.
