Texas Ross Fire damages property, infrastructure with 80,000 acres already scorched at 12% contained
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the Ross Fire has threatened homes, damaged property, and impacted infrastructure.
Dangerous conditions fuel Ross Fire as 50,000 acres burn at 12% containment
Over 1,000 residents have evacuated as the Texas Ross Fire reached 50,000 acres and remains at 12% containment. Dangerous fire conditions have fueled the flames with little rain in sight. FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell was on the ground in Palo Pinto on Tuesday with the latest conditions:
THE TAKEAWAY
- The Ross Fire has now scorched more than 80,000 acres, with just 12% contained.
- Evacuations are in order for portions of Jack and Palo Pinto County.
- The fire has now damaged property and impacted infrastructure.
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 80,000 acres, forcing widespread local evacuations across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, which are located about two hours west of Fort Worth, Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the Ross Fire has threatened homes, damaged property, and impacted infrastructure.
While mandatory regional evacuation orders have expired, local officials in both Palo Pinto and Jack counties continue to maintain voluntary advisories on Wednesday as firefighters battle dangerous wildfire conditions.
Extreme heat and dry vegetation will persist, keeping fuel sources highly volatile and increasing the potential for further spread.
There is no significant rain expected in the coming days, but firefighters are hoping that any little bit that does fall will help.
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."
(FOX Weather)
The fire remains at 12% containment as of Wednesday morning, driven by extreme fire behavior.
Hot temperatures, low humidity and worsening drought conditions are expected to fuel increased wildfire risks throughout the week.
See it: Towers of thick smoke engulf Palo Pinto, Texas skies amid raging Ross Fire
Massive flames and thick smoke consume the skies over Palo Pinto County as the Ross Fire expands. Video captured from nearby Lone Camp highlights the destructive blaze tearing across the region Monday, which has now exploded to 50,000 acres with just 5% containment.
Approximately 77% of the Lone Star State is experiencing some level of drought conditions, marking a 20 percentage point increase from last week.
Aerial view shows the Ross Fire burning in Palo Pinto County, Texas, on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Incident Information - Texas A&M Forest Service / FOX Weather)
Several metro areas, including Dallas, San Antonio and Waco, have yet to record a drop of rain since the beginning of August. All three of these cities are recording their driest start to the month on record, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on this developing story.