WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. —President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez signed an executive order implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions amid growing concerns over drought and recent fires.
“All Navajo is now well aware, and cannot deny the state of extreme and exceptional drought facing our nation,” Begaye said. “For the safety of all living on Navajo, we are putting into effect Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.”
“I encourage everyone to be careful and to become familiar with the fire restrictions. The drought we are experiencing is affecting not only the people but also our plants, traditional herbs, crops, insects and livestock,” he continued. “It is important that our people come together to pray for rain and for each other.”
In a partnership with the executive, legislative and judicial branch, the Navajo Nation conducted a traditional ceremonial offering for rain in mid-May. The initiative was spearheaded by the Navajo Heritage and Historic Preservation Department and was coordinated with assistance from the Navajo Nation Museum and the Hitaałii Advisory Council. The Navajo Nation is planning to conduct another offering next week.
“Let’s continue to pray for rain,” Vice President Nez said. “Let us remind one another we are in an extreme drought and there are fire restrictions in place across the Navajo Nation.”
For further details, visit: http://www.navajo-nsn.gov
