Rush Fire Has Burned Over 12,000 Acres of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

The Rush Fire has burned 12,488 acres of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and continues to be an active threat to the area. The refuge issued its latest update on the wildfire at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 and stated that the Rush Fire is 48 percent contained, which is no change compared to Monday.

According to the refuge's latest press release, there are 125 personnel working to contain the Rush Fire. The wildfire is currently burning on lands administered by the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oklahoma Forestry Services. The personnel have multiple containment methods at their disposal, including 25 fire engines, four dozers, three helicopters and three water tenders.

On Monday, crews worked to maintain the containment lines. As winds from the south will continue to threat the containment lines on Tuesday, personnel will work to ensure "burning embers do not cross the fire perimeter into unburned fuel."

Although the Rush Fire remains 48 percent contained, personnel stated that this is positive due to the area being under a Red Flag Warning on Monday.

Elevated fire weather continues Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The National Weather Service in Norman is expecting elevated fire weather Tuesday, Oct. 29 for areas of northwest, western, central and southwest Oklahoma. Winds will be out of the south at 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts over 50 miles per hour. Temperatures will be slightly cooler today topping out in the mid to upper 80s, but the winds plus dry vegetation is what can easily fuel a wildfire.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge remains closed as containment efforts continue.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will remain closed due to smoke impacts from the Rush Fire and to maintain safety of the public and personnel working to contain the wildfire. The closure includes 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 entry points of the refuge are closed off to the public and commuter travel. The public is urged to not pass the road blocks. The refuge's latest press release states that "entering a closed National Wildlife Refuge is a violation of federal law is cause for fine or arrest."