Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge plans to conduct a prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn within the next 30 days. An exact date cannot be provided due to variable weather conditions, but alerts will be posted to our official website and Facebook page prior to prescribed fire operations. Prescribed fire is essential to maintain the mixed-grass prairies, shrublands, and woodlands at the refuge, and Wildland Fire Management personnel are actively monitoring conditions to identify a safe, practical, and ecologically beneficial timeframe to complete the prescribed burn.
The prescribed burn will be conducted in the area around Quanah Parker Lake extending south to the boundary with Ft. Sill. The eastern boundary of the unit runs along Highway 115 from the Cache Gate to the intersection of Highways 115 & 49 just west of the Visitor Center. The northern boundary of the unit runs along Highway 49 from the intersection west of the Visitor Center to Boulder Road, which acts as the western boundary of the unit. Areas closed during the burn will include Lost Lake, Boulder Cabin, and Boulder Picnic Areas; Kite Trail, the Narrows, and Little Baldy Hiking Trails; Doris Campground; and the Quanah Parker Environmental Education Center and Trail. Please note that burn areas will be closed to the public during fire operations; entry into these zones is strictly prohibited.
For the safety of the public and refuge staff, traffic control measures such as use of a pilot car for one lane travel or short-term road closures will be implemented throughout the duration of the burn, resulting in delays for visitors and local residents. The Refuge is committed to minimizing closures to only the areas directly affected by fire operations.
Smoke generated during the burn may be visible from a considerable distance, and residual smoke may linger for several days afterward. Doris Campground may experience smoke impacts for a few days after the prescribed burn. Campers with existing reservations or those planning to visit should be prepared for possible changes, including relocating or leaving the site. Individuals with respiratory concerns are encouraged to regularly check our website and Facebook page for updates as there may be limited notice before the burn begins.
Prescribed burns are carried out under stringent guidelines and weather parameters to ensure public and firefighter safety while minimizing smoke impacts on nearby populations. These burns are scheduled when wind conditions are favorable, preventing smoke from drifting into populated or smoke-sensitive areas. If prevailing weather conditions do not align with the prescribed burn plan, operations will be rescheduled.
Prescribed burning is a well-established habitat management technique used on federal, tribal, state, and private lands across Oklahoma and the Nation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employs this method to restore and enhance refuge ecosystems, mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and manage invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species such as Old-World Bluestem. By implementing these practices, the Refuge aims to preserve natural processes that support diverse plant communities and promote forage availability for local wildlife, including bison, elk, and deer.
For additional updates on road closures or burn status, please visit the Refuge website, follow us on Facebook, or contact the Refuge Visitor Center at 580-429-3222.