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

Thursday October 31, 2024

Overview: The Rush Fire is primarily on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The Rush Fire is currently 12,488 acres and 61% contained. There are currently 23 engines, 1 Type 1 crew, 2 dozers, 3 helicopters, 4 water tenders and 202 people assigned to the fire. 

Today, Lake Lawtonka reopens to the public after being closed due to firefighting operations. Thank you to the City of Lawton for your coordination and support of the firefighting efforts. 

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters continued to mop up around the fire perimeter closest to the communities of Mountain Village, Camp Y’Shua, and Mt. Sheridan Estates on the north and northeastern perimeter of the fire. Along the northern edge, dozers also established a contingency line from Rain Gauge Flat east to Mountain Village. Additional engines and firefighters continued to patrol and monitor all areas of the fire perimeter along Hwy 115 and Hwy 49 along the eastern and southern fire perimeter. A hot shot crew and engines identified and extinguished areas of heat along Black Bear Flats on the northwestern edge of the fire, working 100 feet in from the fire interior.

Today, on the northeastern edge of the fire, firefighters will focus on breaking up dozer berms along the fire edge, exposing any heat that may remain inside those berms. 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 will continue to monitor and patrol Hwy 49 and Hwy 115. Minimal fire behavior is expected today, but firefighters will remain vigilant with the changing wind direction and the potential for new fire starts.  

Weather/Fire Behavior: Last night, at least a quarter inch of rain fell across the fire in a line of thunderstorms that moved across the state. A strong cold front arrives this morning, bringing cooler weather with highs near 70 degrees. Winds will be out of the north, but much lighter than in the past few days. 

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.