Wichita Mountains Wildfire Forces Evacuations, Threatens Homes

Rush Fire Spreads Rapidly Through Grasslands

WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE, Okla. (KFOR) — A wildfire burning in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is forcing evacuations and threatening homes.

The Rush Fire started around 10:30 a.m. Saturday near Quanah Parker Lake and has already burned thousands of acres, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Evacuations Ordered As Fire Threatens Homes

The fire is currently burning uncontrolled and is spreading rapidly through the grasslands.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for the following areas:

• Quanah Parker Lake
• Medicine Park
• Cache
• Meers

Residents in these areas are urged to leave immediately.

The fire is burning near several homes, and firefighters are working to protect the structures.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.