LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 3 ON ASSAYII LAKE FIRE:

Firefighters monitored the fire along the 8093 Road last night. The fire activity died down about 1 a.m. and the fire held throughout the night.

Extreme fire behavior and high winds, with gusts up to 50 mph, will continue in the fire area today. Firefighters will be assessing the western and eastern part of the fire today for opportunities to construct indirect line. They will be working on Rt. 134 and structure protection on the north side of
the fire and will be looking for opportunities to tie into roads on the southern end of the fire. Aviation resources will be used until the winds become too extreme for the aircraft to fly safely.

Some homes in Naschitti are currently under an evacuation order. Evacuated residents are asked to go to the evacuation shelter at the Tohachi High School Gymnasium.

There are approximately 50 residences threatened. Four structures have been destroyed; however, that is not a firm count. Personnel continue to assess the damages at this time.

For safety reasons, the general public is encouraged not to travel on access roads leading to the Bowl Canyon Recreation Area. Road closures in the area are Rt. 134 at Sheep Springs to Crystal Boarding School and Rt. 30 at Mexican Springs.

For additional information, photos, and maps please visit www.facebook.com/AssayiiLakeFire and
www.nwcg.inciweb.gov

The Tse’HotTsooi’ Medical Center in Fort Defiance, Ariz., also issued a PRESS RELEASE announcing that their Incident Command System is on standby to assist tribal, state and community governments with the Asaayi Lake Fire.

“TMC’s ICS team is concerned about any possible health effects with community members from smoke inhalation and the possible consequences its’ toxicity. We encourage anyone who may be experiencing trouble with their health to visit TMC immediately…TMC continues to be on standby for any trauma cases.”