Overview
- The blaze began Monday near Ross along U.S. Highway 180 and exploded in size over hours as winds and dry fuels sent flames north into Jack County.
- Officials reported the fire has blackened roughly 80,000 acres and is about 12% contained, with preliminary assessments finding at least five structures damaged and roughly 630 homes evacuated.
- Texas mobilized state crews and mutual‑aid teams and Gov. Greg Abbott secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant that makes federal cost‑share funds available for eligible suppression costs.
- Firefighters have prioritized life and structure protection using air tankers, helicopters, dozers and engines while authorities maintain road closures, a temporary flight restriction and evacuation shelters in Jacksboro.
- Western and central North Texas are in drought with record heat and gusty winds that have left fine fuels critically dry, raising the risk the fire could grow further and complicate containment efforts.