News Release

Prescribed Fire at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Date: March 25, 2024
Contact: Kenny Points, 580-309-0110

Cheyenne, Okla.– National Park Service fire crews are preparing to conduct a prescribed fire within Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, approximately two miles west of Cheyenne. Implementation of this prescribed fire project will occur between March 26 and April 1, depending on favorable weather and fuel moisture conditions. Approximately 200 acres of NPS-managed land will be treated as part of WABA RX 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 and vegetation in the shortgrass prairie. Fire managers anticipate that this operation will be complete in six days.During fire operations, The overlook and Battlefield Trail will be closed. The park visitor center will remain open. Although fire managers seek conditions that will minimize impacts to air quality, smoke may be visible Cheyenne, along Highways 47 and 283. 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 Washita Battlefield National Historic Site visit www.nps.gov/waba or call the Washita Battlefield Visitor Center at [phone]