A wildfire that ignited near Ross in Palo Pinto County on Monday afternoon has swiftly escalated, burning through at least 80,000 acres by early Wednesday and is currently 12% contained. The fire has prompted evacuation orders in neighboring Jack County and has significantly impacted local educational operations.
### Extent of the Ross Fire
The Ross Fire, located near the junction of U.S. Highway 180 and FM 919, began its progression just before 1:30 PM on Monday. Initially estimated at a mere 25 acres, the wildfire rapidly expanded over the following days. As of Wednesday, authorities report it has damaged three to four structures, with many more homes in the vicinity at risk.
The Longhorn Council of Scouting America indicated that significant damage has occurred at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto. Fortunately, no scouts, campers, or guests were present at the site during the fire’s approach, and the camp ranger, Pat Adams, was successfully evacuated prior to the situation escalating.
### Evacuations and Community Impact
Evacuations have chiefly affected residents in Jack County, particularly those living along County Road 2210 leading to Highway 281. To accommodate displaced individuals, an evacuation center has been established at the Twin Lake Recreation Center on Highway 59 in Jacksboro.
Local schools are also feeling the impact of the wildfire. Jacksboro Independent School District (ISD) delayed the start of classes by two hours on Tuesday, while Perrin Consolidated ISD opted to cancel school entirely. This trend continued into Wednesday as Bryson ISD and Graford ISD received instructions to cancel classes for the day. Perrin CISD announced a 10:00 AM start, resulting in school buses running two hours behind schedule.
### Road Closures and Traffic Conditions
In response to the ongoing wildfire, U.S. Highway 180 has been closed between South FM 4 and FM 919 to all vehicular traffic. Furthermore, a Temporary Flight Restriction has been enforced over the affected area, restricting air traffic in the vicinity to facilitate firefighting efforts.
The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Team is actively supporting firefighting initiatives with specialized equipment including dozers and aircraft, enhancing the capacity to combat the expanding blaze.
### Resources for Displaced Livestock
In light of the wildfire, the Graham Livestock Commission has opened the Old Mineral Wells Sale Barn at 2805 North Oak Avenue to accommodate livestock displaced by the fire. This facility serves as a temporary holding space for farmers and ranchers until they can arrange long-term solutions for their animals.
Additionally, the Humane Society of North Texas has stepped in to assist the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter in evacuating its current residents to make room for pets displaced by the wildfire. Reports indicate that a total of 12 dogs and 26 cats are scheduled to arrive at the shelter in Fort Worth on Wednesday afternoon.
### High Fire Risk Conditions
The risk of wildfires remains elevated across North Texas, including the region surrounding the Ross Fire. Contributing factors include dry vegetation, a lack of measurable rainfall over the past month, and gusty winds. The National Weather Service is closely monitoring various wildfires, with the Ross Fire being one of the most significant.
Weather conditions on Tuesday featured southwest winds gusting up to 20 mph, which are projected to amplify the fire threat across regions west of Interstate 35. Local officials have urged residents to refrain from engaging in outdoor activities that might spark or exacerbate the fire.
Efforts by firefighting teams continue as they aim to mitigate the impacts of this rapidly evolving situation. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders where applicable for their safety.
Source: Original Reporting
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