A Wildfire Ignited in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma

Wildfire Prompts Road Closures in the Wichita Mountains

Firefighters Battle Blaze in Southwest Oklahoma

A wildfire broke out in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma on Sunday, prompting road closures and attracting the attention of firefighters.

The Oklahoma Forestry Services reports that the wildfire was first reported at 1:39 p.m. Sunday afternoon and encompasses nearly 200 acres.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge spans over 59,000 acres and includes the Wichita Mountains. The refuge is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including bison, elk and deer.

The wildfire is currently burning in the western part of the refuge, near Quanah Parker Lake.

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge officials announced that the refuge will be temporarily closed until further notice.

Quanah Parker Lake Road has been closed from Claypool Road to Red River Road as a precaution due to smoke and fire activity in the area.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

Firefighters are battling the blaze from the ground and air.

The Oklahoma Forestry Services reports that the fire is 0% contained.

Prescribed burns are human-caused fires that are managed by fire professionals. They are used to achieve specific land management objectives.

Prescribed burns are used to reduce the risk of wildfires and to improve wildlife habitat.

If you see a prescribed burn, please do not report it as a wildfire.