Ross Fire grows to 50,000 acres west of Fort Worth, evacuations ordered
Wildfires burning in North Texas continue to grow
Several wildfires are burning right now. The largest blaze is in Palo Pinto County. The Ross Fire is covering 50,000 acres and is only 5% contained.
PALO PINTO, Texas - The Ross Fire has burned 50,000 acres west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County, prompting mandatory and recommended evacuations as dry, windy conditions fuel multiple wildfires in the area.
Wildfires rage across North Texas
What we know:
The Ross Fire started Monday afternoon just west of the town of Palo Pinto and quickly increased to multiple alarms. Flames are burning grass, brush, and trees.
As of the latest update from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire has grown to 50,000 acres and is 5% contained. High winds blowing steadily in a northeasterly direction, combined with dry conditions and extreme heat, continue to fuel the flames.
Palo Pinto County grass fire hits 10,000 acres
Firefighters in Palo Pinto County are battling a large grass fire near Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road, forcing a road closure and threatening at least one structure.
During the day on Monday, firefighters fought the blaze from the air using planes to drop water and retardant after dipping into nearby reservoirs. On the ground, crews and fire trucks are conducting defensive operations on ranch land along FM 4, just a few miles north of Palo Pinto, working to protect structures, including at least one home and two barns.
Firefighters are also rotating in and out of the line to cool down due to the intense heat.
Additionally, smaller wildfires are also burning in Wise, Parker, and Hamilton counties.
What we don't know:
It is unknown if any structures have been destroyed and the exact causes of the fires remain under investigation.
Evacuation orders and emergency resources
What you can do:
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for southern Jack County in the area near and east of Barton's Chapel. Residents in this area are instructed to evacuate immediately by heading east on Highway 281. An evacuation center for Jack County residents has been established at the Twin Lakes Activity Center on Highway 59 in Jacksboro.
In Palo Pinto County, residents living north of Fortune Bend Road extending north to Highway 16 North are highly advised to evacuate.
All residents in the surrounding areas are urged to remain alert and be prepared for changing conditions.
Dallas Weather: More extreme heat and elevated fire danger on Tuesday
North Texas faces another day of triple-digit heat and a high wildfire threat on Tuesday. Officials are warning against activities that could spark fires across the region.
The Source: The information in this story comes from FOX 4 reporter Dan Godwin, who is in Palo Pinto County, and official updates from the Texas A&M Forest Service.