ALBUQUERQUE – Firefighters have made some progress in containing a wildfire on the Navajo Nation that has consumed more than 21 square miles, including grazing lands that tribal livestock owners have used for centuries.
Fire officials said Thursday morning that the Assayii Lake Fire is 5 percent contained.
Smoke from the fire drifted into Southwest Colorado on Monday, reducing visibility and obscuring mountain views in the region.
The blaze has destroyed at least five structures. About 50 homes near the rural communities of Naschitti and Sheep Springs remain threatened with some in Naschitti evacuated.
Crews plan to continue building containment lines on the fire’s northeast and southern flanks and mopping up hot spots.
Forecasters say the winds should be calmer than previous days at 10 mph or less.
The human-caused fire has been burning since Friday in acres of pinon and juniper forest.
