Ross Fire grew to roughly 80,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in Texas, while containment remained at 12 percent as firefighters battled strong winds, extreme heat and exceptionally dry conditions.
The wildfire began shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24, near U.S. 180 and Ross Watson Road, west of Palo Pinto, around 60 to 70 miles west of Fort Worth. Initially estimated at just 25 to 80 acres, it exceeded 18,000 acres within 12 hours and passed 50,000 acres by 6:30 a.m. Tuesday before reaching approximately 80,000 acres by Wednesday morning. Its spread averaged about 40,000 acres per day.
Strong northwest winds pushed flames south and compromised part of the containment line. At least five structures were confirmed destroyed, with damage assessments continuing. Worth Ranch, a Longhorn Council Scouting America property, suffered catastrophic damage to multiple buildings. No scouts, campers or guests were present, while camp ranger Pat Adams evacuated safely.
The fire also approached Bryson in Jack County, but prepositioned crews protected the town. Firefighters were similarly positioned near Palo Pinto as flames moved south. No deaths had been reported.
Evacuation orders or warnings affected Barton Chapel, County Road 2210, FM 4 east of Perrin, Rock Creek, Halsell Ranch Road, Berry Dairy, Smith Road, Cottonwood Cemetery Road, Birdwell Road and Cook Road. Bryson residents were told to shelter in place, while Graford remained on alert. Governor Greg Abbott’s office said 630 households had been evacuated.
Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long declared a local disaster Tuesday. Jacksboro ISD and Perrin CISD also adjusted school schedules, while Twin Lakes Community Center in Jacksboro served as an evacuation shelter.
Around 197 personnel were assigned to the response, supported by bulldozers, aircraft, emergency medical teams and Texas National Guard helicopters. Satellites detected 321 heat signatures near the perimeter over 48 hours.
FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant covering 75 percent of eligible suppression costs. Abbott thanked the Trump administration for approving the assistance.
Conditions remained dangerous, with burn bans active in both counties and about 77 percent of Texas experiencing some level of drought.
Nationally, more than 51,000 wildfires have burned over 7.8 million acres across the United States in 2026, with 86 large fires still active.
