Navajo Nation wildfire nearing full containment

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Firefighters say a wildfire that has burned nearly 23 square miles of terrain on the Navajo Nation just east of the Arizona-New Mexico border is nearing full containment.

Fire officials said Tuesday that the Assayii Lake Fire is now 75 percent contained.

Crews say they are continuing to patrol the area for any hot spots, clearing debris and securing fire lines. Some of the fire is expected to continue to smolder.

Authorities say some roads are still closed, which may prevent some residents from returning.

The majority of the evacuations for people living near the rural communities of Naschitti and Sheep Springs were lifted over the weekend and roads north of the fire were opened.