Ross Fire Explodes To 50,000 Acres In Texas

A fast-moving wildfire has burned approximately 50,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, destroying homes and other structures and forcing evacuations as firefighters battle the massive blaze.

The Ross Fire began shortly after 12:25 p.m. Monday, August 24, near U.S. Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road west of Palo Pinto.

Fueled by extreme heat, dry vegetation and strong winds, the fire grew rapidly overnight. More than 25,000 acres burned within roughly 15 hours before the blaze pushed north into Jack County. At one point, the fire reportedly doubled from approximately 25,000 to 50,000 acres in about three hours.

As of Tuesday evening, officials reported the Ross Fire was 12% contained.

More than 100 firefighters have been involved in the response, with aircraft dropping water and fire retardant as ground crews work to protect homes and other structures and construct containment lines.

Evacuations have been ordered in portions of southern Jack County, including areas near and east of Bartons Chapel. Additional residents in portions of Palo Pinto County have been advised to evacuate as a precaution.

An evacuation center was established at the Twin Lakes Community Activity Center in Jacksboro.

No deaths or injuries have been reported, although homes and other structures have been destroyed. The total number of structures damaged or destroyed was not immediately available.

The cause of the Ross Fire remains under investigation.