A fast-moving wildfire that ignited Monday west of Fort Worth has scorched an estimated 80,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties and remains only 12% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Ross Fire started shortly after 12:26 p.m. Monday near U.S. Highway 180 west of the town of Palo Pinto, about 60 to 80 miles west of Fort Worth. Palo Pinto County ESD 1 Fire Chief Danny Watkins said crews arrived within minutes, but the grass fire grew to a five-alarm incident within an hour. Fueled by triple-digit heat, gusty winds, and dry grass and brush, the blaze jumped the Brazos River and pushed roughly nine miles north into Jack County.
As of Wednesday morning, the fire was still active on multiple flanks. Officials said prepositioned crews helped keep flames from overtaking the town of Bryson overnight and have positioned resources to protect Palo Pinto, Graford, Perrin, and the Possum Kingdom Lake area. The National Weather Service said increasing cloud cover and lighter winds on Wednesday should reduce the threat of rapid spread, though high fire danger remains.
No deaths or firefighter injuries have been reported. At least five structures have been destroyed, and damage assessments are continuing.
About 630 households were evacuated as the fire expanded. Jack County issued evacuation orders early Tuesday for areas along FM 4, County Road 2210, and nearby ranch roads; those orders were later lifted on Wednesday as crews held the northern edge. Palo Pinto County continued to strongly advise residents north of Fortune Bend Road to Highway 16 at FM 337 to leave as a precaution.
Portions of U.S. 180, FM 4, Highway 337, and Highway 254 remain closed. Graford ISD canceled classes on Wednesday. Perrin-Whitt CISD delayed the start of school. Smoke from the fire has been visible as far east as Fort Worth and Saginaw and south into Hood County.
Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long declared a local disaster on Tuesday. The same day, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant, making the state eligible for 75% reimbursement of eligible suppression costs. Texas A&M Forest Service is operating in unified command with local departments, with engines, heavy equipment, and aircraft working the fire.
The cause remains undetermined and under investigation. Officials are urging the public to stay off closed roads so crews can operate and to monitor local emergency updates as containment work continues.