The Bridge Creek Fire, located on the west side of Navajo Mountain, has surged to 2,219 acres, driven by fierce winds last Saturday. In response to the escalating emergency, an experienced Southwest Complex Incident Management Team has now taken command, escalating their response to the natural disaster.
According to a recent update by the Office of the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation, the rugged terrain and dry conditions have made fire containment efforts especially challenging. Consequently, resources have been increased, deploying 121 personnel, including hand crews, water tenders, engines, and air support.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren emphasized the focus on safety and science-based strategies, stating, "Our number one priority is the safety of our people, while using the best fire science strategies to reduce excessive burn scars." President Nygren expressed gratitude for the additional firefighting support in an official statement and called for continued community vigilance and cooperation, as reported by the Office of the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation.
With the command transition from the Northern Arizona Type 3 Team to the Southwest Complex Team 2, the capacity to manage complex fire situations has been notably strengthened, supporting efforts to protect the community and its cultural heritage. Firefighting aircraft are currently drawing water from Lake Powell near the Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Outdoor enthusiasts and boaters are advised to remain cautious due to reduced visibility caused by smoke.
A temporary flight restriction has been put in place over the area to ensure the safety of firefighting operations, prohibiting all drone activity. Navajo Department of Emergency Management Director Sharen Sandoval emphasized that the response efforts have expanded in proportion to the growth of the fire. "One of the things I really want to highlight is that although the fire has gotten greater, so has the response team," Sandoval told the Office of the President and Vice President of the Navajo Nation, linking Northern Arizona fire units, BIA crews, and Navajo Nation representatives on the ground.
