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.
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.
THE TAKEAWAY:
- The Ross Fire has now scorched 50,000 acres.
- The fire remains at 5% containment.
- Evacuations are in order for portions of Jack and Palo Pinto County.
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 50,000 acres, forcing widespread local evacuations across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, which are located about 2 hours west of Fort Worth, Texas.
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.
Jack County has a population of 9,500. Residents in southern parts of the 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 Highway 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.