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

Friday November 1, 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 76% contained. There are currently 24 engines, 2 dozers, 2 helicopters, 3 water tenders and 215 people assigned to the fire. 

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters used maps from an overnight infrared flight to pinpoint heat close to the fire perimeter to ensure complete mop up of all hot spots. Comanche county conducted roadwork along the western portion of Chosen Road. The utility company repaired utility poles along Hwy 115 that were damaged by the fire. Smoke was reported late in the afternoon yesterday and firefighters found the location was south of Black Bear Springs well interior of the containment line. 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.

Today, all divisions will be using the latest infrared imagery to locate isolated heat sources along all control lines to meet mop up objectives. With the drier conditions today, there may still be pockets of vegetation burning, well interior from the fire perimeter. Along the northeastern fire perimeter, firefighters will be assisting the refuge with scouting and clearing the refuge perimeter fence in anticipation of fence repairs. Engines and helicopters are being released throughout the day due to the increased containment and the forecast weather. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: This morning starts off chilly with lows in the 40s under clear skies with light winds. Winds will return to a southerly direction by this afternoon with increasing clouds and temperatures warming into the 70s. By Saturday morning, showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage across the area. Heavy rainfall will be possible with 1-2 inches likely by Saturday night.

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.