Ross

Crews secure perimeter and mop up hot spots following rainfall

The Ross Fire is burning across Palo Pinto and Jack counties near U.S. Route 180 and FM 919. Recent rainfall has kept fire activity to creeping and smoldering within the existing footprint over the last few days. The fire poses no immediate threat to nearby communities as crews hold and patrol established containment lines.

Evacuations and Closures

• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of September 14.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the fire area as of September 14.

Impact

Emergency management officials confirmed on September 11 that no civilian or firefighter fatalities have been reported from the incident.

Conditions and Outlook

Warm, dry conditions with gusty southerly to south-southeasterly winds will persist over the coming days with minimal chance of rain. Fire behavior is expected to remain confined to smoldering and creeping within the perimeter, though underlying drought allows heat to linger in heavy down timber and root systems. Firefighters are gridding the lines with infrared technology to extinguish hot spots and working with aircraft to suppress any interior flare-ups.

Cause and Context

Texas A&M Forest Service investigators determined the fire was sparked by equipment use following a roadside tire blowout along Highway 180. It is the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history, behind the 2011 Possum Kingdom Complex.

Official updates current through September 14, 2026.