Ross Fire Continues to Ravage North Texas: 85,000 Acres Burned, Over 150 Structures Lost

POLICY WIRE — Palo Pinto County, Texas — A week after igniting near Ross in Palo Pinto County, the relentless Ross Fire has consumed at least 85,000 acres and is now 31% contained. The blaze has obliterated more than 150 structures, including homes, and prompted evacuations in neighboring Jack County, according to North Texas officials.

The National Weather Service has classified the Ross Fire as the second-largest wildfire in North Texas. The inferno has ravaged areas near U.S. 180 and FM 919 in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.

As of Monday, August 31, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported that the fire was 31% contained. Residents in Jack County along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281 were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday, August 25, but these mandatory evacuations were lifted the following day as conditions improved. However, Jack County Emergency Management cautioned returning residents to remain alert as the fire continues to burn in Palo Pinto County.

The fire erupted near Ross in Palo Pinto County just before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24, initially estimated at 25 acres. It swiftly expanded to thousands of acres, according to the Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District.

The Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed that at least 157 structures, including 18 homes, have been destroyed, and 140 structures have been damaged. Over 450 structures have been saved from the fire’s path.

The Longhorn Council of Scouting America reported that many buildings at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto suffered severe damage. Fortunately, no scouts, campers, or guests were present when the fire reached the area, and the camp ranger, Pat Adams, was safely evacuated.

As of Monday, August 31, all school districts in the area have returned to normal operations. The wildfire and evacuations initially disrupted local schools. Jacksboro ISD delayed the start of school by two hours on Tuesday, August 25, but resumed normal operations the next day. Perrin CISD canceled classes on Tuesday, August 25, and delayed the start of school to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26. Jack County Emergency Management instructed Bryson ISD and Graford ISD to cancel classes that same Wednesday.

A Molson Coors spokesperson stated that the company had temporarily halted some canning lines at the Fort Worth facility due to smoky skies, but assured that beer lovers will see absolutely no impact.

The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Team, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service, is aiding firefighting efforts with dozers and aircraft. U.S. Highway 180 has reopened after being closed to all traffic between South FM 4 and FM 919 due to the wildfire on Tuesday. A Temporary Flight Restriction is also in place over the fire area.

The Graham Livestock Commission is 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 for those needing a temporary place for livestock until other arrangements can be made.

The Humane Society of North Texas is assisting the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter in clearing out its current 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.

Dry vegetation, a lack of measurable rainfall, and gusty winds are contributing to elevated wildfire conditions across parts of North Texas. The National Weather Service is monitoring several wildfires west of Interstate 35, with the Ross Fire being one of 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 rapidly. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities that could produce sparks or flames.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)