Ross Fire Becomes One of North Texas's Largest Wildfires on Record

FORT WORTH — The Ross Fire has expanded to become one of the largest wildfires in the recorded history of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, burning 85,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in just three days.

The fire began Monday near Palo Pinto and spread rapidly through dry ranchland. Officials reported Tuesday that the blaze had doubled in size to approximately 50,000 acres within hours. By Wednesday, the estimate had exceeded 80,000 acres.

As of Friday morning, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire was 26% contained, meaning firefighters had established control lines along a portion of the fire’s perimeter to limit further spread.

Firefighters have observed extreme fire behavior, including trees igniting in groups amid strong winds.

No injuries have been reported, but rural residents have received evacuation advisories over the past three days. Authorities have urged those in affected areas to remain prepared to leave quickly if conditions worsen.

Numerous roads in Palo Pinto County, including sections of U.S. 180 and Texas 254, have been closed as crews continue battling the fire.

The blaze is one of at least 80 active fires currently burning across Texas, which together have scorched more than 90,700 acres, according to the Forest Service. Many of these fires are fully contained.

Some structures have been damaged by the Ross Fire, including Worth Ranch, an 800-acre historic Scouting America camp along the Brazos River. The extent of the damage is still under assessment.

The National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office has classified the Ross Fire as the second-largest wildfire in the region’s recorded history, surpassed only by the Possum Kingdom Complex Fire, which burned 126,734 acres in April 2011.

The firefighting effort includes local rural departments, the Texas A&M Forest Service, and fire departments from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Priorities include protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure, slowing the fire’s advance, and constructing containment lines.

On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Ross Fire. This funding provides financial assistance and reimbursement for eligible firefighting costs.

Evacuation orders were issued Tuesday for portions of Jack County as the fire moved northward, but the order was later lifted as conditions improved. Palo Pinto County had issued voluntary evacuation advisories, which have since been rescinded. An evacuation center is operating at the Jacksboro Twin Lakes Recreation Center, and livestock relocation sites have been set up for residents needing shelter for cattle and other animals.

Smoke from the Ross Fire has drifted east and southeast into parts of North Texas, creating hazy conditions and affecting air quality. State environmental regulators have advised residents with respiratory conditions, children, and older adults in affected areas to stay indoors.

Temperatures in Fort Worth are forecast to reach near 100 degrees Thursday, accompanied by isolated showers. The National Weather Service reports that the fire threat will decrease compared to earlier in the week.

Alejandra Martinez is a Fort Worth-based environmental reporter who has covered the impacts of petrochemical facilities on Black and brown communities, including investigations into industrial chemical fires.