Ross Fire still burning after a week, with 85,000 acres scorched and more than 150 structures destroyed

A wildfire that sparked near Ross in Palo Pinto County on Aug. 24 has burned at least 85,000 acres and is 31% contained a week later. It has destroyed more than 150 structures in the area, including homes, forced evacuations in neighboring Jack County and affected local schools, North Texas officials said.

The National Weather Service said the Ross Fire is now the second-largest wildfire in North Texas. 

How big is the Ross Fire and where is it burning?

The Ross Fire has burned at least 85,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, with the fire burning near U.S. 180 and FM 919.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire was 31% contained as of Monday, Aug. 31. 

Residents in Jack County along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281 were instructed to evacuate on Tuesday, Aug. 25; however, those mandatory evacuations were lifted a day later as conditions improved. Jack County Emergency Management warns returning residents to stay vigilant as the fire is still burning in neighboring Palo Pinto County.

The fire began near Ross in Palo Pinto County just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, and was initially estimated at 25 acres, according to the Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District. It rapidly expanded to thousands of acres.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, at least 157 structures and 18 homes have been destroyed, and 140 structures have been damaged. Officials said over 450 structures have been saved from the fire.

The  Longhorn Council of Scouting America said many buildings at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto were among the structures that suffered catastrophic damage, but no scouts, campers, or guests were at the property when the fire moved into the area, and the camp ranger, Pat Adams, was safely evacuated.

What areas are under evacuation orders because of the Ross Fire?

As of Monday, Aug. 31, all school districts in the area have resumed normal operations.

The wildfire and evacuations affected schools in the area. Jacksboro ISD delayed the start of school by two hours on Tuesday, Aug. 25, but normal operations resumed the next day. 

Perrin CISD canceled classes for Tuesday, Aug. 25, and delayed the start of school to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Jack County Emergency Management instructed Bryson ISD and Graford ISD to cancel classes that same Wednesday. 

A Molson Coors spokesperson said the company had temporarily paused some canning lines at the Fort Worth facility out of an abundance of caution over the smoky skies.

“But beer lovers will see absolutely no impact,” the spokesperson said.

The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Team, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service, is supporting firefighting efforts with dozers and aircraft.

What roads are closed because of the Ross Fire?

U.S. Highway 180 has reopened after being closed to all traffic between South FM 4 and FM 919 because of the wildfire on Tuesday. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction is also in place over the fire area. 

Where can livestock be taken during the Ross Fire?

The Graham Livestock Commission said that it was offering space for livestock displaced by the wildfire at the Old Mineral Wells Sale Barn at 2805 North Oak Ave.

The holding station is available to people who need a temporary place for livestock until other arrangements can be made.

The Humane Society of North Texas said it is helping the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter clear out its current shelter population to make room for pets displaced by the Ross Fire. Twelve dogs and 26 cats were expected to arrive at the shelter in Fort Worth on Wednesday.

Why is the wildfire risk high in North Texas?

Dry vegetation, a lack of measurable rainfall and gusty winds are creating elevated wildfire conditions across parts of North Texas.

The National Weather Service is monitoring several wildfires west of Interstate 35, with the Ross Fire among the largest.

After more than a month without measurable rainfall, fine surface fuels have become critically to extremely dry, making vegetation easier to ignite and allowing fires to spread quickly.

Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities that could produce sparks or flames.