August 28, 2026
Wildfire Update | August 28, 2026 | 2 min read
The Ross Fire west of Fort Worth has grown to 85,000 acres and is now over a quarter contained, as crews make progress against what's become the second-largest wildfire ever recorded in North Texas. Here's the latest.
The Ross Fire broke out Monday, August 24, in Palo Pinto County, about 60 miles west of Fort Worth, and has since spread north into Jack County. It's now burning across roughly 85,000 acres, stretching about 30 miles end to end.
Containment has climbed to 26% as of Thursday night, up from just 12% earlier in the week. The National Weather Service has identified it as the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history, behind only the 2011 Possum Kingdom Complex Fire, which burned 148,000 acres. Crews are now focused on the fire's western edge near Possum Kingdom Lake and homes along Texas 16, as winds were expected to shift west.
At least five structures have been destroyed, including significant damage to a youth camp in Palo Pinto County. Livestock and wildlife deaths have been reported, though officials haven't provided an estimate. Roughly 69 properties experienced power outages, with 54 still without power as of the latest update. Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long has declared a disaster for the county.
Mandatory evacuation orders in Jack County were lifted Wednesday morning as conditions improved, though officials are urging returning residents to stay alert since the fire is still active nearby in Palo Pinto County. Several roads remain closed, including sections of U.S. 180 and Texas 254.
Prep your home before smoke arrives
Wildfire smoke can travel well beyond the fire zone. A few steps to take now:
Sources: Fort Worth Report, WFAA, CBS Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service, Dallas Morning News.
