Evacuations underway as fast-growing Texas Ross Fire explodes to 50,000 acres with 12% containment
Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 50,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forcing widespread local evacuations.
THE TAKEAWAY
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 50,000 acres, forcing widespread local evacuations across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, which are located about two hours west of Fort Worth, Texas.
The grass fire began Monday afternoon near Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road, with the Texas A&M Forest Service warning that the blaze has "large growth potential."
The fast-moving fire forced the closure of a section of U.S. Highway 180 before pushing rapidly northward toward the Jack County line.
Jack County has a population of 9,500. Residents in southern parts of the county, specifically those living near and east of Bartons Chapel, have been ordered to evacuate immediately.
An evacuation center has been opened in Jacksboro at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center on Highway 59.
The fire remains at 12% containment as of Tuesday morning, driven by extreme fire behavior.
Hot temperatures, low humidity and worsening drought conditions are expected to fuel increased wildfire risks throughout the week.
Approximately 77% of the Lone Star State is experiencing some level of drought conditions, marking a 20 percentage point increase from last week.
Several metro areas, including Dallas, San Antonio and Waco, have yet to record a drop of rain since the beginning of August. All three of these cities are recording their driest start to the month on record, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on this developing story.
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