PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management reaffirms drought declaration state of emergency to activate additional resources

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management held a special meeting at the request of Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, and approved Resolution CEM 21-06-25, reaffirming the Navajo Nation’s drought state of emergency declaration to activate available emergency resources to help mitigate drought conditions.

“Everyone is aware that we are in a severe drought in the entire southwest. With this declaration we will be able to direct more resources to help address the situation. The Department of Water Resources has workers out in the communities helping to repair windmills, earthen dams, and other resources for our people. In addition, the Navajo Department of Health and Community Health Representatives are also distributing water to elders and disabled that are in need. During times of adversity, we have to remember the teachings of our elders such as T’áá Hwó Ají Téego, or self-reliance and self-determination. The teachings from our elders provide guidance and allow us to persevere, so please check on your elders and make sure they have everything that they need. We are still in a public health emergency due to COVID-19, so we have to continue to address that emergency as well,” said President Nez.

The Department of Water Resources recently reported the completion of repairs to 37 earthen dams in several communities. In addition, the Division of Natural Resources and Division of Community Development continue to coordinate efforts to provide hay and other resources for livestock to communities with $4 million in funding approved by the Navajo Nation Council’s Resources and Development Committee.

Due to several factors including drought conditions, President Nez and Vice President Lizer also issued an Executive Order on Friday implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to increase prohibitions to help protect against the spread of more wildfires.

“From the local level on up, we have to coordinate and properly carry out measures to help address the current drought conditions and to help prevent further problems such as overgrazing. Some of the issues we are facing are preventable through proper strategizing, not only within our government, but individually as well. Our administration will continue to work to provide more resources to help with water resources, livestock, and agriculture,” said Vice President Lizer.

Resolution CEM 21-06-25, reaffirming the Navajo Nation’s drought state of emergency declaration, was passed by a vote of 3-0 and concurred by President Nez and Vice President Lizer.

PRESS RELEASE – Stage 2 Fire Restrictions implemented on the Navajo Nation as wildfires spread in the southwest

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer recently finalized an executive order, implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to increase prohibitions to help protect against the spread of more wildfires. The Navajo Nation has already experienced several fires this year that have threatened homes, farms, wildlife, and other areas. The public is encouraged to report any wildfires to the BIA Fire Dispatch at (928) 729-2307.

“The threat of wildfires is very serious, especially in the southwest. In the Four Corners states, there are multiple wildfires happening and the impacts are even more devastating due to the lack of moisture. We will also be issuing a drought declaration on the Navajo Nation to free up more resources for our communities. Everyone has a responsibility to prevent fires and we have to hold each other accountable and encourage our loved ones to be safe and responsible at home and in our communities,” said President Nez.

Executive Order No. 006-2021 states that the following are prohibited across the Navajo Nation:

A. Possession, manufacturing, sale or use of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device pursuant to 17 N.N.C. §2733

B. All debris (trash) and field-clearing burning

C. All wood-burning, charcoal fires, campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues

D. Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to State, Federal, or tribal laws and regulation

E. Mechanical and Industrial Prohibitions:

                i. The use and operation of chainsaws or any other internal combustion engines between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

               ii. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

The following activities must use extreme caution:

A. Smoking, which is recommended only in permitted areas, within an enclosed vehicle, traditional and ceremonial uses, and while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

The following activities are permitted:

A. Propane, gas or other petroleum-fueled stoves will be allowed for livestock branding, Such devices may only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

B. Ceremonial fires, properly registered, and permitted by the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) through a Navajo Nation EPA Burn Registration, five (5) days prior to ceremony. To obtain a Burn Registration, please contact Navajo Nation EPA Air Quality at (928) 729-4246. Mail: NN Air Quality, PO Box 529, Fort Defiance, AZ 86504, FAX: (928) 729-4323 or email: kaelynnmorgan@navajo-nsn.gov;

C. Public firework displays approved and permitted, pursuant to 17 N.N.C. § 2735, by the Navajo Nation Fire Department;

D. Persons with a valid written permit/bonding/license that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act;

E. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice

F. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty; and

G. The implementation of Low Complexity Prescribed Fire which meet prescriptions approved by the Agency Administrator under an approved Burn Plan.

“Everyone has a personal responsibility to take precautions when you are outdoors. Please exercise caution and do not be careless. Last year, we experienced a large wildfire in the Sawmill area that required many resources and firefighters to extinguish. We want to avoid having that happen again here on our Nation. We are deploying resources to help mitigate the drought and we have workers out in the communities repairing windmills and earthen dams also,” said Vice President Lizer.

If there are any questions related to the fire restrictions, please contact the Navajo Forestry Department at (928) 729-4007. Executive Order No. 006-2021 is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until this order is rescinded or amended. Any person or parties found guilty of violating the fire restrictions may be fined up to $5,000 or provide restitution.