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

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for strong winds, low humidity, hot temperatures, and dry vegetation. Winds will be out of the south at 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 41 miles per hour and a relative humidity dropping to as low as 25 percent. Temperatures will reach 86 degrees. 

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 12497 acres and 48% contained. As of 7:00 a.m., the Southern Area Red Team has assumed command of the fire. There are currently 33 engines, 6 dozers, 1 helicopter, 2 fixed wing air tankers, 8 water tenders and 159 people assigned to the fire. 

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters patrolled and mopped up the north west perimeter of the fire edge along Black Bear Springs going east towards Mt. Sheridan Estates. A retardant line was extended further to the east along the northern fire perimeter to reinforce containment. On the northeast portion of the fire, crews and engines focused on structure protection ensuring that the community of Meers and Mt Sheridan Estates are secure. The areas around Jed Johnson Lake, the Holy City and north of Hwy 49 were patrolled for any areas of heat. 

Today, firefighters are focused on the northwest, north and northeastern perimeters of the fire with the forecasted wind shift and red flag warning this afternoon. Engines will be focusing on containment lines and structure protection on the northeast corner of the fire in Meers, Mt Sheridan Estates and other communities adjacent to the fire area. Additional people and equipment are expected to arrive today. 

Smoke: For the latest on smoke conditions, visit https://www.airnow.gov/ 

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. Any changes to evacuations will be made in consultation between fire managers and the Comanche County Emergency Management and individuals impacted will be notified. 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 National Wildlife Refuge. If you fly, we cannot fly.