Window Rock, AZ; June 28, 2012 – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly reminds people that the Navajo Nation is still under the executive order of fire restriction. “The Fourth of July is upon us and the Navajo people want to celebrate with fireworks but I want to remind the Navajo people that fireworks are illegal on the Navajo Nation. It is written in our Navajo Nation tribal code.” President Shelly said.
As it is stated in title 17 of the Navajo Nation Code, Section 2730 states that possession, manufacture, sale and use of fireworks is against the public health, safety, and welfare of the people of the Navajo Nation.
“There are wildfires happening across the Navajo Nation. They are from unattended open fires, burning trash, fireworks and natural causes. We need to protect the land of the Navajo Nation in this time of drought.” President Shelly stated.
The executive order of fire restriction comes at a time of inadequate precipitation, high wind conditions, high temperatures and low humidity.
Any person or parties found guilty of violating the provisions of the executive order of fire restriction will be fined and may be required to pay restitution to the Navajo Nation for the full cost of fire suppression.
“I want to thank the men and women who respond to these fires. They have to leave their families in the middle of the night to fight fires. Thank you to the fire fighters, rangers, police officers of not only the Navajo Nation but of the counties and BIA.”
The executive order of fire restriction was signed into effect on May 29.
To report any wildland fires to the B.I.A. Fire Dispatch at (928) 729-2307.
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Public Information Officer
Cell: (928) 255-3534
navajonationpress@navajo-nsn.gov
