News Release

Catfish Bottoms Fire burns approximately three acres in park

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 19, 2022

Contact: Megan Wilkins, 5806227234

Sulphur, Okla.– The Catfish Bottoms Fire started as a vehicle fire on Goddard Youth Camp Road, near Catfish Bottoms on Sunday afternoon, September 18, 2022 and burned approximately three acres of land in the park before spread was stopped later the same afternoon.

The initial request for help came in at 12:45 pm and responders arrived on the scene at 12:57 pm. The fire spread from a recreational vehicle to the tow vehicle and into the grass on both sides of the road. The fire continued to spread northeast and burned approximately three acres before responders were able to stop the spread shortly before 5:00 pm. Park staff continues to monitor the area for flareups.

No one was injured and no buildings were damaged. The recreational vehicle and the tow vehicle were destroyed.

National Park Service staff would like to thank those who also responded to the fire, including Sulphur Fire Department, Dougherty Fire Department, and Rock Prairie Volunteer Fire Department. 

For more information about Chickasaw National Recreation Area, visit www.nps.gov/chic or call the Travertine Nature Center at [phone]. 

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