The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will conduct prescribed burns over the next several weeks as recent weather conditions have created safe and suitable opportunities for fire personnel to complete these important treatments in the Refuge’s Special Use Area. Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools for reducing hazardous fuel loads. By removing excess vegetation under controlled conditions, the Refuge lowers the likelihood of future wildfires and limits their spread and severity, and reduces risks to private property, natural resources, wildlife habitat, and nearby communities. Conducting this work now—under trained supervision and appropriate weather—greatly enhances public and firefighter safety.
Smoke may drift across public roads during the burn, and firefighters will be working along certain routes. For the protection of visitors and staff, traffic control measures such as one‑lane travel guided by a pilot car or short‑term road closures may be implemented. These actions may cause brief delays, and the Refuge will limit closures to only those areas directly affected by fire operations. Residual smoke may remain visible for several days after the burn is completed.
The current burn ban notice for Comanche County allows exceptions for prescribed burns conducted as a land‑management tool, pursuant to Oklahoma Forestry Services guidelines outlined in Section 16‑24.4 of Title 2, Oklahoma Statutes.
All prescribed burns are conducted under a strict set of guidelines and clearly defined weather parameters to ensure operations remain safe and to minimize smoke impacts to nearby residents and visitors. Burns will only proceed when wind direction and forecasted conditions meet the requirements of the approved burn plan. If predicted or actual weather conditions fall outside these parameters, the burns will be postponed.
Prescribed fire is a long‑standing habitat management tool used on federal, state, and private lands across Oklahoma and the nation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service applies prescribed burning to restore native ecosystems, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, 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, and maintain healthy plant communities that support bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife.
While no additional closures are anticipated, the public is reminded to follow all posted signs and area restrictions. Updates on road conditions or temporary closures will be available on the Refuge website or by contacting the Refuge Visitor Center at 580‑429‑3222.
