The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County has burned 90,400 acres and destroyed 167 structures as firefighters continue working to contain the historic North Texas wildfire.
The fire was 57% contained as of Tuesday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, but remained active after burning approximately 90,400 acres since it started on August 24.
The Forest Service says the Ross Fire is the largest summertime wildfire recorded in Texas since statewide records began in 2005. It is also the 15th-largest wildfire in state history.
Hundreds of Firefighters Remain on Scene
About 515 personnel and 112 resources were assigned to the Ross Fire as of the latest update.
The response has included hundreds of firefighters, engines, heavy equipment, and aircraft. In all, 23 aircraft have supported firefighting operations, dropping more than 434,000 gallons of retardant and 2.5 million gallons of water.
The fire has destroyed 167 structures, including 18 occupied homes, and damaged another 95.
Crews remain focused on increasing containment while monitoring conditions around the fire.
Fire Determined To Be Human-Caused
The Texas A&M Forest Service determined that the Ross Fire was human-caused and began an investigation with local law enforcement agencies.
Forest Service officials said the fire originated from equipment or vehicle use associated with a roadside start.
News station KBTX previously reported that investigators believed a blown tire on a vehicle traveling along U.S. Highway 180 may have sparked the fire. Investigators examined evidence including pieces of rubber and tire marks on the roadway while determining the cause.
Dry Conditions Fuel Rapid Fire Growth
Researchers say weather and vegetation conditions have contributed to the rapid spread of wildfires across Texas this summer.
“Texas often has a dry, hot, windy weather like this summer, the dry grass and vegetation provide a lot of fuel for wildfires, and the strong wind helps the fire propagate very fast,” said Yunyao Li, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, per Spectrum News.
The Texas A&M Forest Service continues to warn that wildfire potential remains high across much of the state because of ongoing drought.
The agency has responded to more than 1,000 wildfires across Texas this year, with those fires burning more than 300,000 acres.
State Funding Supports Wildfire Response
Texas lawmakers approved about $630 million for the Texas A&M Forest Service during the most recent legislative session.
The funding includes support for wildfire suppression aircraft, firefighting equipment, volunteer fire departments and prescribed-fire programs.
The investment comes as Texas continues to face significant wildfire threats during periods of drought, high temperatures and strong winds.
Ross Fire Ranks Among Largest in Texas History
With more than 90,000 acres burned, the Ross Fire now ranks 15th among the largest wildfires recorded in Texas.
The state’s largest recorded fires include the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned more than 1 million acres, and the 2006 East Amarillo Complex Fire, which burned more than 907,000 acres.
Although containment has reached 57%, the Ross Fire remains active, and firefighters continue working to control the blaze and protect nearby communities.
Provided by Dallas Express
