PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Investigators say the Ross Fire was human-caused, not lightning, after burning about 90,400 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
InciWeb, the federal incident site updated Wednesday evening, lists the fire at 90,400 acres and 38% contained, with about 515 personnel assigned. Texas A&M Forest Service is in unified command with local departments. The blaze started the afternoon of Aug. 24 along Highway 180, about a mile west of Palo Pinto and roughly 100 miles west of Dallas.
Forest Service spokesperson Laura Stevens told *The Dallas Morning News* on Wednesday that investigators, working with local law enforcement, tied the start to equipment or vehicle use on the roadside. She said the probe was still open and that the fire could not be “conclusively contributed to a tire blowout.” Earlier Wednesday, the agency had pointed to a blown tire; WFAA quoted Fire and Emergency Response Division Director Jared Karns on that theory before the walk-back.
Operational update for the #RossFire in Palo Pinto County on August 28, 2026.
— Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) August 28, 2026
The fire is currently 85,003 acres and 26% contained.
Updates for the Ross Fire are posted to InciWeb: https://t.co/AMvBBiDCMI pic.twitter.com/xBuajsxJ0x
Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District reminded the public on Facebook that “human-caused” does not mean the fire was set on purpose, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. Officials have not named a person or said charges are coming.
The fire exploded in heat, drought, and wind, crossing into Jack County the next day. Evacuation orders were later lifted. *The News* reported no deaths. Damage counts have shifted as assessors work; the Fort Worth Report, citing Forest Service figures, said 157 structures were destroyed, including homes, with more damaged and hundreds saved.
InciWeb lists an estimated containment date of Sept. 8. Crews have used dozers, engines, and a large air operation. Karns told WFAA the Ross Fire alone had already taken more than 2 million gallons of water and a half-million gallons of retardant.
A fuels advisory remains in effect for North Central Texas. Officials still warn that dry grass along highways can ignite from vehicles and equipment.
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