Authorities in Jack and Palo Pinto counties are urging residents to stay clear of affected areas while firefighters battle the Ross Fire, which has already consumed an estimated 50,000 acres. The blaze, first reported Monday afternoon after burning about 80 acres, has rapidly expanded, prompting a coordinated response from the Texas A&M Forest Service and local emergency officials.
Containment and Evacuation Efforts
As of Tuesday, roughly 5% of the fire has been contained in Palo Pinto County. The forest service received a request for assistance from Palo Pinto crews on Monday afternoon, and the fire’s northward movement triggered an evacuation order for Jack County around 3 a.m. that same day, according to the National Weather Service.
Jack County residents are instructed to avoid the vicinity of Halsell Ranch Road and Farm to Market Road 4, as well as the stretch of FM 2210 leading to the county line. Those in the evacuation zone are being directed eastward along FM 2210 toward U.S. Highway 281. The Twin Lakes Community Activity Center off Texas 59 in Jacksboro has been designated as a shelter for displaced families.
Road Closures and Public Safety Measures
Multiple roadways in Palo Pinto County remain closed while crews continue to combat the fire. Specific closures include sections of U.S. Highway 180, Texas 254, and Texas 337, all of which are critical routes for local traffic and emergency response.
Heavy smoke and lingering hot spots persist east of FM 4 and south of FM 2210, prompting officials to maintain a burn ban across both counties. The ban comes amid triple‑digit temperatures and dry, breezy conditions that have plagued North Texas over the past month.
Impact on Schools and Property
Five structures have been lost to the fire, according to Palo Pinto County officials, who are still assessing the full extent of the damage. In response to safety concerns, Graford ISD and Perrin‑Whitt CISD canceled classes on Tuesday, allowing families to focus on evacuation and recovery efforts.
County leaders continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as crews work to increase containment and protect remaining homes and infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to comply with evacuation orders and road closures.
Community Support
The response to the Ross Fire underscores the importance of local emergency services and the cooperation of neighboring jurisdictions. By coordinating resources and communicating clear directives, officials aim to safeguard families, preserve property, and ultimately bring the wildfire under control.
For the latest information, residents should follow updates from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the National Weather Service, and county emergency management offices.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
