Texas Ross Fire Grows to 85,000 Acres, 26% Contained

A fast-moving wildfire that exploded from 25 acres to more than 85,000 acres in a matter of days has become the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The Ross Fire began Monday near the community of Ross in Palo Pinto County and tore through ranchland in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forcing evacuations, closing roads and disrupting schools. As of Friday morning, the Texas A&M Forest Service said the fire was 26% contained.

Mandatory evacuation orders issued for Jack County have since been lifted, and voluntary evacuation advisories in Palo Pinto County have also been withdrawn as conditions improved, though officials are still urging residents to remain alert.

No injuries have been reported. Worth Ranch, an 800-acre historic Scouting America camp along the Brazos River, sustained impact from the fire, though the extent of the damage to the property remains unknown. Firefighters said they are prioritizing life safety and structure protection while working to extend containment lines.