Native Americans are six times more likely than other groups to live in areas most prone to wildfires. As the Southwest faces record-breaking high temperatures, Tribal nations are especially vulnerable. During times of crisis, our reservation-based Program Partners can request disaster relief assistance through Partnership With Native Americans^® (PWNA) and our Navajo Relief Fund (NRF) program. 

In mid-July 2024, the Watch Fire started on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, burning more than 2,100 acres of Tribal land. NRF responded to the request from our Program Partner, Kodee, from the San Carlos Economic Development Department, and delivered a truckload of supplies to support Tribal members displaced by the fire. The shipment included bottled water, baby products, sanitizers, emergency meal kits, and other goods to help the affected families.  

During the summer, the reservation experiences regular water and electrical outages, leaving families at risk during the hottest time of the year. Kodee told us, “During this Watch Fire emergency, we have 400 Tribal members that were displaced and 15 homes that were burnt to the ground at a total loss.”  

Utilizing the help of volunteers from the San Carlos High School, Kodee and her volunteers established a pickup site at the hospital for representatives from each of the four reservation districts. Kodee noted that during this crisis, “The water was out for about 4 to 5 hours in the 7 Mile Wash District, so this really came in handy.” 

The high winds and little rain from this year’s monsoon season led to the fire spreading quickly. Although the fire is now contained, Kodee expects more challenges in the aftermath. She noted that flooding and erosion are a significant risk and that the tribe is preparing for any further incidents, telling us, “We’re trying to disburse all of the supplies to the communities that are directly affected and then stock up for emergencies that occur down the line.” District Representative Daniel, from Peridot, Arizona, arrived with a group of his summer employees to pick up supplies and shared, “Thank you guys very much!” 

In addition to the supplies from NRF, the San Carlos Apache Tribe received support from tribes and organizations throughout Arizona and New Mexico in an effort to extinguish the wildfire. Kodee said, “We received overwhelming support from outside communities to provide us with donations, emergency services, and first responders from other tribal nations working collectively to put out the fire.” 

The tribe is already working hard to secure housing solutions for displaced families and repair damaged infrastructure. Kodee is optimistic about the tribe’s resiliency, stating, “It’s going to be a long journey to recovery, but we’re here, and I believe we have all of the people in place to do that.” 

On behalf of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Kodee would like to thank the donors who support NRF. Kodee shared, “The San Carlos Apache Tribe appreciates everybody’s donation, providing this emergency relief service to our Tribal communities. We’re thankful for that outpour of support!”