A rapidly spreading wildfire that ignited Monday afternoon near Ross in Palo Pinto County has consumed approximately 80,000 acres across two North Texas counties, prompting temporary evacuations and school closures as firefighting crews work to contain the blaze.
The Ross Fire, which began just before 1:30 in the afternoon on Monday with an initial estimate of merely 25 acres, expanded with alarming speed across Palo Pinto and Jack Counties. As of early Wednesday morning, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire was 12 percent contained, with crews making steady progress against the flames near U.S. Highway 180 and Farm-to-Market Road 919.
Jack County officials issued mandatory evacuation orders Tuesday for residents along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281. Those orders were lifted Wednesday morning as conditions improved, though emergency management officials cautioned returning residents to remain vigilant as active fires continue burning in neighboring Palo Pinto County.
The blaze has damaged or destroyed between three and four structures, with additional properties remaining at risk. Among the most significant losses is Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto County, where the Longhorn Council of Scouting America reported catastrophic damage to many buildings on the property. Fortunately, no scouts, campers, or guests were present when the fire swept through the area, and the camp ranger, Pat Adams, was safely evacuated.
Local school districts have adjusted operations in response to the emergency. Jacksboro Independent School District delayed the start of classes by two hours Tuesday before resuming normal operations Wednesday. Perrin Consolidated Independent School District canceled classes Tuesday and delayed the Wednesday start time until 10 in the morning. Jack County Emergency Management directed both Bryson and Graford independent school districts to cancel classes entirely on Wednesday.
The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team, working alongside the Texas A&M Forest Service, has deployed dozers and aircraft to support containment efforts. U.S. Highway 180 remains closed to all traffic between South Farm-to-Market Road 4 and Farm-to-Market Road 919. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been established over the fire area to allow aerial firefighting operations to proceed safely.
An evacuation center was established at the Twin Lake Recreation Center on Highway 59 in Jacksboro for displaced residents, though many have since been able to return to their homes.
The agricultural community has mobilized to assist those affected. The Graham Livestock Commission announced it is providing space for displaced livestock at the Old Mineral Wells Sale Barn on North Oak Avenue. The facility serves as a temporary holding station for ranchers and farmers who need to relocate their animals until permanent arrangements can be made.
The Humane Society of North Texas has been working with the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter to clear current shelter populations and create space for animals displaced by the fire.
As firefighters continue their work, the situation remains fluid. Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor local emergency management communications and remain prepared to evacuate again should conditions deteriorate.
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