Fire Information - 580-257-7839 2024.Rush@FireNet.gov
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 87% contained.
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. Along the northeastern fire perimeter, firefighters cleared vegetation and trees from around the refuge perimeter fence in anticipation of fence repairs. Engines and firefighters were released at the end of the shift due to the forecast weather over the weekend.
As of this morning, the Southern Area Red Team has transferred command of the Rush Fire back to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The refuge will continue monitoring the fire and suppression repair after the storms pass and conditions allow.
Weather/Fire Behavior: Heavy rain and severe weather is forecast across the central and southern Plains this weekend. Large hail and strong winds will be the primary threats. A Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued. Consecutive days of heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding across the area on Sunday. A Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall has been issued.
Air Quality: Communities around the Rush Fire will experience Good Air Quality today. Current Smoke Outlook
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.
Rush Fire Information
Phone: 580-257-7839
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/okwmr-rush-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge/
