In response to severe drought conditions and escalating fire hazards, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has signed an executive order enforcing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions across the Navajo Nation, effective immediately. Highlighting the urgency, the President stated, “These restrictions are needed as a preventive protective measure,” according to a press release from the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.

The move aims to shield lives, properties, and livestock as well as to preserve the integrity of cultural and ecological resources amid a stretch of high temperatures and low precipitation. "We're all feeling it, and our land is surrounded by early, raging forest his in New Mexico and Arizona," Nygren said, noting the adjacency of other areas already grappling with wildfires. The health risks associated with wildfire smoke inhalation are a critical concern emphasized in the order for Navajo communities and residents.

With the observation of Independence Day looming just over a week away, the order notably prohibits the sale, possession, or use of fireworks and other pyrotechnics on Navajo lands. Outlining the specifics, the order bans open fires and the use of charcoal or coal outdoors, with narrowly tailored exceptions for certain developed areas and livestock branding operations utilizing gas or petroleum-fueled stoves.

Authorities from various divisions, including the Navajo Nation Divisions of Public Safety and Natural Resources, as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Navajo Region Branch of Fire Management, have been tasked with the enforcement of these restrictions, “to protect the public, natural resources and reduce the risks of wildfires," the order clarified. Supporting these measures, Acting Navajo Region BIA Regional Director Deborah Shirley concurred with the order.

Ceremonial fires, deeply rooted in Navajo traditions, will still be permitted. However, such activities must be registered with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) five days prior to the event. For burn registration and related inquiries, contact details have been made available by the NNEPA.

Any sighting of wildland fire should be reported immediately, with contact information for both the BIA Fire Dispatch and personnel listed in the press release. Additional questions and clarifications on the restrictions can be sought from the Navajo Forestry Department or the Division of Natural Resources at the provided phone numbers.