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PRAYERS TO OUR BRAVE NAVAJO SCOUTS WHO ARE ON THEIR WAY TO CALIFORNIA TO FIGHT THE WILDFIRES As more people evacuate the Los Angeles area from the blazing wildfires, our Navajo Scouts are answering the call to help fight and protect the millions of people in LA County who are fleeing their homes. I ask that we, as a united Navajo people, keep our Navajo Scouts, a Type 2 IA team, in our thoughts and prayers. Let us send them our heartfelt wishes for protection, so that they may return home safely after aiding our relatives in Southern California during this challenging time. According to reports from California Fire, there are currently five active fires: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, the Hurst Fire, the Lidia Fire, and the Sunset Fire. The Palisades Fire has already burned over 17,234 acres, while the Eaton Fire has charred approximately 10,600 acres. Both of these fires ignited on January 7 and have forced massive evacuations, destroying homes and property, and tragically resulting in five lives lost. The cause of these wildfires has been undetermined as of this social media post. However, extreme fire behavior has been attributed to the Santa Ana winds combined with the dry conditions that have been exacerbated by climate change. Our Navajo Scouts, a dedicated team of 23 members, including a courageous female wildland firefighter, are highly trained and available to combat fires like these for ten months out of the year. They represent various communities across the Navajo Nation, united in their mission to help those in need. Let us continue to pray for our Navajo Scouts and for the safety of everyone affected by these wildfires in the Los Angeles area. -Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren