Ross

Fire lines hold with no active evacuations as crews secure perimeters

The Ross Fire is burning in chaparral and brush in Palo Pinto County near Palo Pinto and along the Brazos River corridor. Over the last 72 hours, the fire stayed within its footprint with moderate creeping and smoldering as ground crews and bulldozers widened control lines on both flanks. No communities face an immediate threat, and no active evacuation orders are in place.

Evacuations and Closures

• No active evacuation orders or road closures are in place across Palo Pinto and Jack counties as of September 10, though returning residents are urged to remain vigilant.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect over the fire area as of September 11.

Impact

The fire destroyed Rochelle's Canoe Rental along the Brazos River and severely damaged buildings at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto. Emergency management officials confirmed that no fatalities have occurred during the incident as of September 10, 2026.

Conditions and Outlook

Hot and dry conditions will intensify over the coming days, with strengthening south-southeasterly winds and poor humidity recovery testing the fire's western flank. Underlying severe drought keeps heat trapped deep in root systems and heavy timber, creating potential for interior flare-ups. Firefighters plan to conduct extensive mop-up along the perimeter, grid for hot spots, and drop water from aircraft on burning green pockets.

Cause and Context

Investigators confirmed on September 10, 2026, that the fire was ignited along U.S. Highway 180 by vehicle or equipment use following a roadside tire blowout. Suppression efforts have been supported by out-of-state crews and the first ground-based retardant application from water tankers in state history.

Official updates current through September 11, 2026.