The Ross Fire, which ignited west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County, has expanded to 80,000 acres as of Wednesday. Texas A&M Forest Service officials stated that the blaze is currently 12% contained. While teams are assessing the damage, an official count of affected structures has not yet been released.
Scouting America officials reported that Worth Ranch, a camp located approximately 60 miles west of Fort Worth, sustained widespread damage. Personnel were evacuated safely before the fire arrived, and no campers were present on site. An online update from the Longhorn Council noted that preliminary aerial imagery shows severe impact across the property, though the full extent remains unknown until in-person assessments are completed.
Firefighters are actively working to manage wind shifts and prevent further spread. Aircraft are deploying retardant lines, while bulldozers clear vegetation to create barriers. Wildland fire engines are addressing hot spots, and drones are assisting in operations. Officials designated the area as a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, reserving airspace strictly for wildland fire personnel and aviation.
Heavy fire activity is currently concentrated along the Texas 16 corridor near Possum Kingdom. Hector Marines, a Forest Service spokesperson, indicated that significant efforts are being directed toward that specific area. The fire has also crossed into neighboring Jack County, where residents in the southern part of the county were ordered to evacuate early Tuesday.
Those orders have since been lifted, and no county roads remain closed, though officials urged caution for those returning home.
Jack County Sheriff T-Bob Hauger stated that the forward progression of the fire has been stopped within the county, but flank fires remain active. He warned that crews expect to continue working for several more days, with potential afternoon flareups. Financial donations are being accepted for the Jack County Rural Fire Departments via Prosperity Bank locations or by check.
