Ross Fire reaches 85,000 acres, becomes second-largest in North Texas history

The Ross Fire has expanded to 85,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, marking it as the second-largest wildfire in the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s recorded history. The blaze began near Palo Pinto on Monday and grew rapidly over the following days. By Tuesday, officials noted the fire had doubled in size to approximately 50,000 acres, and estimates surpassed 80,000 acres by Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, only the Possum Kingdom Complex Fire of 2011 has burned a larger area in the region.

Firefighters have reported extreme behavior, including trees igniting in groups due to strong winds. While no injuries have been reported, some rural residents were advised to evacuate. Local authorities closed several roads in Palo Pinto County, including sections of U.S. 180 and Texas 254.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Texas A&M Forest Service stated the fire was 21% contained, meaning a line or barrier has been established along that portion of the perimeter. The agency noted that increased winds were expected, though previous windy conditions had caused spot fires that were quickly contained.

The response effort involves small rural departments, the Texas A&M Forest Service, and local fire departments from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Priorities include protecting people, defending communities and critical structures, and slowing the fire’s movement. Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to provide financial help and reimburse eligible firefighting costs.

Evacuation orders for parts of Jack County issued Tuesday were later lifted, as were voluntary advisories in Palo Pinto County, though officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant.

Support services have been established, including an evacuation center at the Jacksboro Twin Lakes Recreation Center and livestock relocation centers for cattle and other animals. The fire has impacted some structures, including Worth Ranch, an 800-acre historic Scouting America camp along the Brazos River, though the extent of property damage is unknown.

Smoke from the fire has drifted east and southeast into parts of North Texas, creating hazy skies and affecting air quality. State environmental regulators advised people with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults in affected areas to stay indoors. The Texas A&M Forest Service also reported that 80 active fires are currently burning over 90,700 acres across the state.

Source: Denton Record-Chronicle.

Sources

https://dentonrc.com/news/state/ross-fire-grows-to-one-of-the-largest-wildfires-on-record-in-north-texas/article_8d75400a-ad64-45b0-b298-b45779e89d58.html