Firefighters are still battling the Ross Fire after it burned an estimated 80,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties west of Fort Worth, the Texas A&M Forest Service said. The agency reported the blaze was 12 percent contained as of late Tuesday, with crews building line at the heel of the fire as activity eased slightly overnight.
The fire started Monday afternoon just west of the town of Palo Pinto near U.S. Highway 180. Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District 1 Fire Chief Danny Watkins said crews were notified around 12:26 p.m. and arrived within minutes, but the grass fire grew to a five-alarm incident within an hour. The Texas A&M Forest Service said it was requested at 12:41 p.m. and is working in unified command with local departments.
Extreme heat, wind and dry fuels drove rapid growth. The Forest Service said the fire jumped the Brazos River, pushed about nine miles north into Jack County and produced long-range spotting. Officials have not determined a cause. No deaths or firefighter injuries have been reported.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered in southern Jack County near and east of Barton’s Chapel, with residents directed east along County Road 2210 toward U.S. Highway 281. An evacuation center opened at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center on Highway 59 in Jacksboro. In Palo Pinto County, residents north of Fortune Bend Road to Highway 16 North at FM 337 were strongly advised to leave. Portions of U.S. 180, FM 4 and several state highways remain closed. Graford ISD and Perrin-Whitt CISD canceled classes.
At least five structures were destroyed, county emergency officials said. Multiple buildings at Worth Ranch, the 800-acre Boy Scout camp along the Brazos River owned by Scouting America’s Longhorn Council, suffered catastrophic damage, the council confirmed. No Scouts, campers or guests were on site. Camp Ranger Pat Adams and other personnel evacuated safely. Longhorn Council CEO Wendy Shaw told CBS Texas the camp has been part of Scouting for 97 years and that the organization is grieving the loss.
Gov. Greg Abbott said FEMA awarded a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover suppression costs. Officials asked the public to stay out of the area so crews can work.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
