Single Publication

Rush Fire

Fire Information - 580-257-7839        2024.Rush@FireNet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/okwmr-rush-fire 

Facebook: @WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge

Wednesday October 30, 2024

Overview: The Rush Fire is on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and lands administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The Rush Fire is currently 12,488 acres and 48% contained. There are currently 26 engines, 1 Type 1 crew, 2 dozers, 3 helicopters, 3 water tenders and 161 people assigned to the fire. 

Operations: Yesterday, a wind advisory had the potential to threaten containment with strong sustained winds and gusts over 50 miles per hour throughout the day. Fortunately, firefighters observed minimal fire activity, dominated by interior pockets of vegetation burning, posing no threat to containment. Along the fire perimeter near Mt. Sheridan Estates and Meers, firefighters moved further interior mopping up with the goal of fully extinguishing hot spots to 100 foot inside the fire edge.  

Today, on the northeastern edge of the fire, firefighters continue mop up near Mt. Sheridan Estates and Meers. On the northwestern edge of the fire along Black Bear Springs, a hot shot crew and engines continue to identify and extinguish hot spots and areas of heat. Additional engines have been inserted along the southern perimeter to monitor and patrol north of Hwy 49. The fuels on the fire continue to be extremely dry and grasses have the potential to carry fire quickly in shifting winds conditions. Firefighters will be monitoring weather conditions carefully throughout the day with the chance of rain, but also the potential for strong and shifting winds.  

Weather/Fire Behavior: Scattered light showers are possible this morning. Gusts near 35 miles per hour will continue with clouds breaking by early afternoon. Highs will be in the 80s. Rain chances increase by late Wednesday. Light fuels will respond well to precipitation and humidity recovery. 

Air Quality: Communities around the Rush Fire will experience Good Air Quality today. Current Smoke Outlook

Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place for the Rush Fire. Residents close to the fire area should stay alert and informed on the current fire situation. Changes to evacuations will be made in consultation between fire managers and the Comanche County Emergency Management. Residents can sign up for the Comanche County Emergency Notifications and Alerts through their website at https://www.comanchecounty.us/emergency-notifications-systems

Closures and Restrictions: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is currently closed due to smoke impacts from the Rush Fire and to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public. This closure is for all public use areas, including Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, Dog Run Hollow Trail System, Boulder Cabin and Picnic Areas, Lost Lake, Doris Campground, the Environmental Education Center, the Visitor Center, Holy City, the Parallel Forest, and Mount Scott.  

All entrance points to the refuge are closed. There are road closures on Highway 115 at the Cache and Meers Gates, on Highway 49 at the West Gate located Northwest of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area and at the Medicine Park Refuge entrance. Indiahoma Road is also closed South of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. Entering a closed National Wildlife Refuge is a violation of federal law and is cause for fine or arrest.

Comanche County has a countywide burn ban in effect. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. The use of personal drones is always prohibited on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. If you fly, we cannot fly.