Ross Fire Near Palo Pinto Becomes One of North Texas’ Largest Wildfires

Wildfire spreads across Palo Pinto and Jack counties

PALO PINTO, Texas — The Ross Fire near Palo Pinto has become one of the largest wildfires recorded in the Dallas-Fort Worth region after burning about 85,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in three days, authorities said Thursday.

The fast-moving blaze began Monday in dry ranchland near Palo Pinto and expanded rapidly amid hot, windy conditions. Officials said the fire grew to roughly 50,000 acres by Tuesday after doubling in size within hours, then surpassed 80,000 acres by Wednesday.

By Thursday afternoon, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the Ross Fire was 21% contained. Containment measures the share of a fire perimeter where crews have constructed barriers or control lines intended to prevent further spread.

Crews report extreme fire behavior

Firefighters have encountered extreme behavior as the Ross Fire moves through the region, including groups of trees igniting at once, known as torching, during periods of strong wind. Earlier gusts also produced multiple spot fires, though responders quickly contained those secondary blazes, the Forest Service said.

The firefighting operation includes nearby rural volunteer departments, the Texas A&M Forest Service and departments from around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Officials said their immediate priorities are protecting residents, communities and critical infrastructure while slowing the fire’s advance and establishing lines capable of holding the perimeter.

No injuries had been reported Thursday. Some rural residents were advised to evacuate during the first three days of the fire, while portions of Jack County were ordered evacuated Tuesday as flames moved north. That mandatory order was later lifted as conditions improved. Voluntary evacuation advisories previously issued in Palo Pinto County have also been lifted, although officials continue to urge residents near the affected area to remain ready to leave if conditions deteriorate.

Road closures, smoke and damage assessments continue

Numerous roads in Palo Pinto County remain closed as crews work in the fire zone, including sections of U.S. 180 and Texas 254. An evacuation center has been established at the Jacksboro Twin Lakes Recreation Center, and regional livestock relocation sites are available for residents needing to move cattle and other animals.

The Forest Service said some structures have been affected, including Worth Ranch, an 800-acre historic Scouting America camp on the Brazos River. The extent of damage at the camp and elsewhere had not been determined Thursday.

Smoke has drifted east and southeast into parts of North Texas, creating hazy orange skies and worsening air quality in some communities. State environmental officials advised children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions to remain indoors where smoke is present.

The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth said the Ross Fire is now the second-largest wildfire in the region’s recorded history, behind the Possum Kingdom Complex Fire, which burned 126,734 acres in April 2011. The fire has unfolded as Texas faces widespread extreme heat, with the Forest Service reporting 80 active fires burning more than 90,700 acres statewide, including the Ross Fire.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant, allowing local agencies to seek reimbursement for eligible firefighting costs. Winds were expected to increase Thursday, though the Weather Service said the overall fire threat was forecast to be lower than earlier in the week. The Ross Fire remained active and under investigation as crews continued containment operations.