Evacuations underway as fast-growing Texas Ross Fire explodes to 50,000 acres with just 5% containment
Residents in southern Jack County, specifically those living near and east of Bartons Chapel, have been ordered to evacuate immediately.
FILE: Watch: Texas firefighters drive through burning embers and blackout smoke
The Fort Worth Fire Department was deployed to the Smokehouse Creek Fire, second-largest in the history of the state. This crew had to drive through burning embers and blackout smoke to get past a point where the fire was trying to jump the highway.
THE TAKEAWAY:
- The Ross Fire has now scorched 25,000 acres
- The fire remains at 5% containment
- Evacuations are in order for portions of Jack County
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 50,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forcing widespread local evacuations.
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."
The fast-moving fire forced the closure of a section of U.S. Highway 180 before pushing rapidly northward toward the Jack County line.
Ross Fire captured from Lone Camp, Texas on Aug. 24, 2026.
(Casey McGlaun via Storyful)
Residents in southern Jack County, specifically those living near and east of Bartons Chapel, have been ordered to evacuate immediately.
An evacuation center has been opened in Jacksboro at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center on HWY 59.
The fire remains at 5% containment as of Tuesday morning, driven by extreme fire behavior.
Hot temperatures, low humidity, and worsening drought conditions are expected to fuel increased wildfire risks throughout the week.
Approximately 77% of the Lone Star State is experiencing some level of drought conditions, marking a 20 percentage point increase from last week.
Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on this developing story.