Texas Fires

Crews hold lines on major wildfires amid elevated statewide fire danger

Firefighters continue to secure perimeters and mop up hotspots on several significant wildfires across the state. Mandatory evacuation orders in Jack and Palo Pinto counties have been lifted, allowing residents to return as suppression efforts make progress. High temperatures, dry vegetation, and breezy southerly winds continue to support elevated fire danger throughout central and western Texas.

Key Fires

• Ross Fire — Burning across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, the fire is experiencing interior single-tree torching and smoldering as crews reinforce lines. All evacuation orders have been lifted, though emergency officials urge returning residents to remain vigilant near active burning in Palo Pinto County.
• Benson Fire — Located southwest of Menard in Menard County, this grass and brush fire is now fully contained. Ground crews and state dozers have stopped forward spread and secured the perimeter.
• Star Lake Fire — Burning within the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson County southeast of Stowell, the fire continues to creep and smolder through marsh fuels. Crews remain on scene monitoring activity.
• Double Barrel Fire — Situated in the Davy Crockett National Forest near Pennington, this timber fire is now fully contained following strategic firing operations. Containment lines established along roads and dozer features have halted perimeter growth.
• Kurk Fire — Located northeast of Cherokee in San Saba County, the fire is now fully contained. Firefighters are completing mop-up operations with minimal activity along the perimeter.

Conditions and Outlook

Heat Advisories remain in effect across large portions of North, Central, and East Texas, with critically dry fuels keeping fire potential elevated across central and western regions. No Red Flag Warnings are active, but unseasonably hot afternoons, low relative humidity, and gusty southerly winds will persist over the next several days. Little to no precipitation is expected, maintaining dry conditions that could facilitate new ignitions.

Burn Bans and Land Management

Outdoor burn bans are in effect across 209 Texas counties due to persistent drought and critically dry fuels.

What Residents Should Do

• Adhere strictly to county burn bans and avoid any outdoor activities that create sparks or heat.
• Remain alert for localized smoke and follow instructions from local emergency managers when returning to fire-affected areas.
• Clear dead brush and combustible vegetation from around structures to maintain defensible space.