Sulphur, Okla.– National Park Service fire crews are preparing to conduct two prescribed fires within Chickasaw National Recreation Area, approximately five miles southwest of Sulphur. Implementation of both prescribed fire projects will occur between February 5 and April 30, depending on favorable weather and fuel moisture conditions, park officials said.
Approximately 930 acres of NPS-managed land will be treated as part of The Point prescribed fire to protect park resources and adjacent private property from the threat of high severity wildfires. Low intensity fire will be used to reduce grass, vegetation, and saplings in the hardwood forest. Crews will also treat approximately 15 acres on Arbuckle Dam to prevent woody vegetation growth on the face of the dam. Fire managers anticipate that both operations will be complete in six days.
During fire operations, most of The Point will be temporarily closed, including the campground, trails, and picnic areas. The boat launch and the road to the boat launch will remain open. Boaters may experience delays along the road.Although fire managers seek conditions that will minimize impacts to air quality, smoke may be visible from Sulphur, Davis, along Highways 7 and 177, and the Lake of theArbuckles. Cooler temperatures in the evening may cause smoke to linger and accumulate in low-lying areas.
Prescribed fires play an important role in decreasing risks to life, resources, and property. Fire managers carefully plan prescribed fires, initiating them only under environmental conditions that are favorable to firefighter and visitor safety and when fire is likely to achieve the desired goals.
For more information about Chickasaw National Recreation Area, visit www.nps.gov/chic or call the Travertine Nature Center at (580) 622-7234.
