Smoke and haze drifting from the Ross Fire have reached Fort Worth, leading health officials to advise residents with respiratory conditions to take precautions. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reported that smog levels in the Dallas-Fort Worth area reached unhealthy thresholds for individuals with lung disease, children, teens, older adults, and those engaging in strenuous outdoor activity for six or more hours daily.
Authorities urged sensitive groups to limit their time outside and choose less intense physical activities during the affected period. The National Weather Service indicated that smoke would continue moving southeast across North Texas through the afternoon and evening. Reduced visibility, potentially dropping to one or two miles, prompted warnings for drivers to slow down and maintain safe distances between vehicles.
The Ross Fire has consumed approximately 80,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties over several days. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, containment stands at about 12% within Palo Pinto County. While all evacuations in Jack County have been lifted, officials cautioned residents to exercise care when returning to their properties.
Road closures remain in effect across multiple routes in Palo Pinto County as emergency crews respond. Closed segments include portions of Farm to Market Road 4, Texas Highway 337, and Texas Highway 254 at various intersections. The National Weather Service noted that increased cloud cover and lower wind speeds may help reduce the fire's spread.
Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long declared a local disaster on Tuesday, coinciding with a Fire Management Assistance Grant awarded to the state by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This grant allows for 75% reimbursement of wildfire suppression costs. As of that date, 630 households in surrounding areas had been evacuated.
