This page is created to share urgent news about a fast-moving wildfire that is affecting the Navajo Nation and the communities we serve.
The Oak Ridge Fire, which began in the high country six miles west of St. Michaels, Arizona, has now burned over 10, 787 acres and remains 13% contained. It is dangerously close to our sites in Fort Defiance and Gallup. Several Navajo communities have already been evacuated, while others remain on high alert. The fire threatens homes, infrastructure, and the beloved animals that our community members revere.
For many, this land is sacred, holding deep cultural, historical, and personal meaning for the communities we serve. It is also sacred for our own team members, whose families not only live here, but are also among those bravely responding to the crisis. It is home.
In response, our Center is actively shifting its services to support those affected. We are coordinating with the Incident Command Center and local partners to determine how we can be most helpful.
One of the first ways our team responded was by creating two safe, welcoming indoor playspaces at the Evacuation Centers in Fort Defiance and Ganado, AZ, for children displaced by the fire. Amid fear and uncertainty, play becomes more than just fun, it becomes restored safety and healing. It helps children process trauma, regain a sense of normalcy, and feel joy again.
This response reflects a core focus of our work: a deep, ongoing commitment to early childhood wellbeing. Across our sites, we prioritize programs that support our young children’s development, health, and resilience. In times of crisis, this commitment is even more important.
We filled the spaces with books, toys, tunnels, ball pits, tents, stuffed animals, and even a bouncy house. One child looked around and asked, “Is that all for me?” That simple question reminded us how powerful small acts of care can be. In the aftermath, we hope to also support shelter restoration efforts.
To deepen this support, we also created small Comfort Cards to accompany stuffed animals donated by a long-time center donor, Mr. Bill Clarke, given to evacuated children. The stuffed animals and cards build on the healing power of play by offering simple, trauma-informed guidance to help children feel safe and supported, while also equipping caregivers with tools to nurture emotional recovery during this difficult time.
Behind the scenes, our Diné Household Water Work (DHWW) team was able to supply the Navajo Department of Transportation with detailed GPS maps of household locations developed for our ongoing water insecurity outreach efforts. These maps have been essential for Navajo Police and Community Health Representatives to aid with evacuations in rural areas where many homes do not have formal addresses. These maps may also become important to supporting post-fire recovery.
Our team continues to:
- Deliver emergency supplies
- Coordinate with local responders to identify urgent needs
- Prepare to support long-term recovery
Check out our staff setting up the Fort Defiance play space!
If you’d like to help with urgent, on-the-ground efforts, we welcome your contribution. Your gift will directly empower our team to support our communities and fill critical gaps during this emergency.
In the designated dropdown, choose Visionary Donors: Priority Needs
We send our heartfelt support to everyone impacted by this fire and share our deepest gratitude to the first responders and community members, including our own team members, who are working tirelessly to protect lives and provide care.
We will continue to provide updates here and on our social media channels as the situation evolves.
Ahéhee’