BIA Wildland Fire Management - Navajo Region

05/29/2026

N Tsaile Butte Fire Update
Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 8:56 p.m.

Location: In the vicinity of Tsaile Butte, Tsaile, AZ
Start date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Acres: 0.5 acres
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 100% contained

Wildfire description
Firefighters made significant progress on the fire today and have reached 100% containment. The Navajo Hotshot Crew spent the day constructing and improving handline along the perimeter while working closely with the helicopter. The helicopter completed essential work by cooling hotspots along the fire’s edge and within the interior of the fire where isolated pockets of heat and flame remained.

The Navajo Hotshot Crew will remain on scene overnight. Tomorrow, a small module of firefighters, along with the helicopter, will continue securing the fire’s interior and extinguishing remaining hotspots. Community members may continue to see smoke from the fire area as crews work to secure deep-burning interior heat. Smoke does not necessarily indicate fire growth, but rather ongoing suppression and mop-up operations.

This will be the last update for the fire unless there are any significant changes.

Evacuations and closures
There are no closures or evacuations at this time.

Smoke impacts
Light smoke may be visible in the immediate area.

Remarks
Community members may continue to see helicopter activity in the area tomorrow. To help ensure safe and efficient operations, please avoid gathering near the helicopter dip site and give aviation resources plenty of space to work.

This notice is to inform local and adjoining residents, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and local chapters.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

🔥 Wildfire season is here. Before smoke is in the air, preparation and prevention can help protect our communities, homes, cultural resources, and the lands we all share.

❤️ Thank you to the firefighters, dispatchers, crews, and interagency partners who continue working to protect the Navajo Nation during wildfire season.

05/28/2026

⚠️Public Safety Notice for N Tsaile Butte Fire⚠️

Community members are asked to avoid gathering near helicopter dip sites and areas where aircraft are actively supporting firefighting operations.

Helicopters may be flying at low levels, carrying water, and making frequent trips in and out of the area throughout the day. Crowds, parked vehicles, and foot traffic near dip sites can create safety concerns for both the public and flight crew and may impact firefighting operations.

Please help keep firefighters, aviation personnel, and yourself safe by giving aircraft plenty of space to work and by staying clear of active operation areas. Drivers should also remain alert for fire resources traveling in the area.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation and support as crews continue suppression efforts.

05/28/2026

N Tsaile Butte Fire Update
Thursday, May 28, 2026

Location: In the vicinity of Tsaile Butte, Tsaile, AZ
Start date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Acres: Approximately 0.5 – 1 acres
Containment: 0% contained

Wildfire description
Yesterday evening, the Navajo Police Department, Chinle District, reported smoke near Tsaile Butte. Our helicopter crew located the N Tsaile Butte Fire and briefly assisted engine crews on the ground before returning to Window Rock Airport. The engine crew remained on scene overnight and established an initial access route that will be used to continue operations today.

The fire is burning in steep and hazardous terrain, so crews are using tactics that prioritize firefighter safety while continuing suppression efforts. Community members may see the helicopter along its flight path as it returns to the fire, as well as in the Tsaile Butte and Wheatfields area, while it supports firefighting operations. Resources on scene today will be the engine crew, Navajo Hotshots, and Navajo Helitack.

Evacuations and closures
There are no closures or evacuations at this time.

Smoke impacts
Light smoke may be visible in the immediate area, with minimal impacts to surrounding communities.

Remarks
Please avoid the immediate fire area. Do not stop near firefighting operations or gather along roadways to watch helicopter activity.

This notice is to inform local and adjoining residents, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and local chapters.

05/28/2026

5/27/26 10:28 p.m. update - This evening Navajo Police Department, Chinle District reported smoke near Tsaile Butte. Our helicopter located the fire and assisted ground crews before returning to Window Rock Airport for the night.
An engine crew is working through access challenges on an old logging road and will remain on scene overnight. Firefighters will continue operations in the morning.

05/28/2026

05/27/26 8:15 p.m. update - Wildfire name is N Tsaile Butte, approximately 0.5 -1 acre burning in grass, shrub, and dead and down fuels. No cause determined yet.

04/22/2026

‼️
Within the Oak Ridge burn scar area, residents may notice the presence of what appear to be smoke columns. These formations are actually dust devils, which occur because of high winds and the influence of terrain. The dust devils contain elements of ash, resulting in a grey-colored smoke appearance that can be easily mistaken for active fire smoke.
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We currently have resources patrolling areas along the Defiance Plateau. Crews are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging fires and are closely monitoring the area.
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If you have a fire to report, please call: 928-205-3459 or 505-728-1183. Thank you.

04/17/2026

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Navajo Region would like to recognize our wildfire dispatchers for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Our dispatchers keep operations moving by coordinating the people and resources needed to respond during emergencies.
Navajo Region Wildfire Dispatch is one of the few fourth-tier dispatch centers in Indian Country which means that they handle more than just calls, they coordinate crews, aircraft, and resources across multiple agencies to support wildfire response in the region.
To every dispatcher, thank you for your steady presence and the work you do every day.

03/31/2026

Regarding the new fire start in the area of Mesa Farm Road in Shiprock, NM, it was contained at 5:20 p.m. at 1.85 acres. There will be no further updates. Thank you.