LAWTON, Oklahoma (KSWO) – Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was closed on Saturday, October 26 due to smoke effects from the Rush Fire.

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, all public areas and entrances to the refuge are closed.

Authorities also stated that roads were closed, including Highway 115 at Cache and Meers Gates, Highway 49 at West Gate in the northwest of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, and roads at the entrance to the Medicine Park Refuge. Indiahoma Road is also closed south of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area.

Authorities remind everyone not to go over the barricades for their safety. They also want everyone to listen to law enforcement as crews try to fight the fire.

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