Overview
- The Ross Fire began on Aug. 24, 2026 near Ross in Palo Pinto County and expanded into Jack County, growing from a small ignition to tens of thousands of acres within days under extreme heat and dry fuels.
- Incident command lists the blaze at an estimated 85,303 acres with 31% containment and says crews are concentrating on dozer-constructed holding lines, mop-up, tactical firing in steep bluffs and aircraft support.
- A preliminary damage assessment confirmed 157 structures destroyed, including 18 occupied residences, 140 structures damaged and 453 structures saved by firefighting efforts.
- Evacuation orders have been lifted and most road closures reduced but a Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place and officials warn firefighters remain ready for flare-ups and spot fires.
- State officials have mobilized extra resources and the FEMA grant will help pay eligible suppression costs as the fire strains regional capacity and keeps local services and schools under strain during containment work.