Ross Fire explodes to over 50,000 acres, forces evacuations in North Texas
The Ross wildfire has burned more than 50,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forcing evacuations, closing roads and disrupting schools.
Updated on: August 25, 2026 / 5:04 PM EDT / CBS Texas
A wildfire that sparked near Ross in Palo Pinto County on Monday afternoon has grown to at least 50,000 acres and was 8% contained as of Tuesday, forcing evacuations in neighboring Jack County and affecting local schools, officials in North Texas said.
How big is the Ross Fire and where is it burning?
The Ross Fire has burned at least 50,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, with the fire burning near U.S. 180 and FM 919.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service , the fire was 8% contained as of Tuesday afternoon. Residents in Jack County along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281 were instructed to evacuate as crews continued battling the wildfire.
The fire began near Ross in Palo Pinto County just before 1:30 p.m. Monday and was initially estimated at 25 acres, according to the Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District. It rapidly expanded to thousands of acres.