Crews race to contain deadly wildfires burning across Texas and Nevada amid dangerous fire weather
The fires are unfolding hundreds of miles apart, but both have been fueled by low humidity, gusty winds and extremely dry conditions.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- The Ross Fire has scorched 85,000 acres and is 31% contained.
- The Hawk Fire has scorched over 15,000 acres and is 98% contained.
- Firefighters in both regions are battling dangerous fire weather conditions.
Wildfires are presenting severe challenges for emergency crews in two different parts of the country as fast-moving blazes tear through North Texas and Nevada.
The dangerous Ross Fire has exploded to 85,000 acres near Fort Worth, while the Hawk Fire near Reno holds at 98% containment after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
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Image 1 of 5Ross Fire captured from Lone Camp, Texas on Aug. 24, 2026. (Casey McGlaun via Storyful)
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Image 2 of 5Plane flies through Hawk Fire encroaching on homes in Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026. (Washoe County Sheriff's Office)
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Image 3 of 5Crews respond to Hawk Fire encroaching on Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026. (North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District)
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Image 4 of 5Firefighters work to contain the Hawk Fire in Nevada on Aug. 23, 2026. (North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District)
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Image 5 of 5The Hawk Fire scorches thousands of acres of land near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026. (North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District)
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The fires are unfolding hundreds of miles apart, but both have been fueled by low humidity, gusty winds, and extremely dry conditions, creating a difficult situation for firefighters working to protect homes and infrastructure.
Ross Fire explodes across North Texas
The Ross Fire has rapidly expanded across Palo Pinto and Jack counties west of Fort Worth, scorching over 85,000 acres as of Sunday and reaching 31% containment.
(FOX Weather)
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the Ross Fire has threatened homes, damaged property and impacted infrastructure, after evacuations were ordered in parts of Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
Ross Fire in North Texas continues to burn with minimal containment
The Ross Fire continues to wreak havoc in northern Texas, burning 50,000 acres with only 5% containment. Video shows the smoke and fire-filled skies on Monday as firefighters worked to continue the blaze.
While mandatory regional evacuation orders have expired, local officials in both counties maintained voluntary advisories for most of the week as firefighters battle dangerous wildfire conditions.
The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District announced that one person has died in connection with the Hawk Fire.
Palo Pinto County, particularly around the towns of Palo Pinto and Graford, has seen some of the most significant impacts, while the fire has also pushed northward into southern Jack County.
Hot temperatures, low humidity and worsening drought conditions have fueled elevated wildfire risks.
(FOX Weather)
Extreme heat will continue to dry fuels across the region, increasing the potential for further fire spread.
Little to no significant rain is expected in the coming days, though firefighters are hoping any rainfall that does occur will provide some relief.
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The grass fire began Monday afternoon near Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road, with the Texas A&M Forest Service warning that the blaze has "large growth potential," and is now in its third day of burning.
Hawk Fire threatens communities near Reno
Near Reno, the Hawk Fire has scorched upward of 15,000 acres, triggering a state of emergency and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
Evacuation orders have since been scaled back following critical gains earlier this week, which brought containment to 98%.
(FOX Weather)
Officials announced that the fire was human-caused. Seven injuries have been reported, including four civilians and three firefighters.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONTROLLED AND CONTAINED FIRE?
Washoe County, particularly around the northwest Reno community of Somersett, has seen some of the most significant impacts, while the fire has also threatened adjacent canyon lands and foothill developments.
Robert Ray reports from ash-covered Reno as Hawk Fire forces mass evacuations
The Hawk Fire has scorched more than 15,000 acres near Reno, Nevada, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and destroying dozens of homes. FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray has exclusive access to the charred landscape, bringing the latest on the dangerous wildfire.
Officials said at least 47 homes and one commercial building were destroyed, while eight other homes sustained serious damage.
The Hawk Fire burns near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District / FOX Weather)
"The primary challenge shifts to managing hot spots under a return of dangerous fire weather conditions, as low humidity and shifting winds could flare up uncontained pockets of brush," the FOX Forecast Center said.
Stay with FOX Weather as we continue to track changing fire weather conditions and containment progress.