The Ross Fire, now the second‑largest wildfire ever recorded in North Texas, continues to rage across Palo Pinto and Jack counties. As of Friday morning the blaze was about 26% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire tracker. The fire’s footprint—roughly five times the size of DFW International Airport—has devastated thousands of acres of forest, brush, and private property.
Firefighting Efforts on the Ground
Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers remain on the line, battling the flames with hand tools, water drops from aircraft, and bulldozers carving firebreaks through rugged terrain. Mineral Wells Fire and EMS shared footage of crews working side‑by‑side with other departments as a water‑dropping plane circled the fire zone. Bulldozers have been cutting paths through debris, though rocky ground along the western edge of the fire, below the Possum Kingdom hills, has slowed progress.
Utility Restoration and Community Support
Utility crews are also hard at work restoring electricity. United Cooperative Services reported that 325 power poles were damaged or knocked down, with roughly half already replaced. Local residents and organizations have rallied to supply water, bottled drinks, and essential medical items to firefighters. Palo Pinto County ESD 1 posted that while water and drinks are plentiful, additional supplies such as electrolytes, nasal spray, pain relievers, allergy medication, chapstick, antibiotic ointment, and even beef jerky are still needed. Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Clear Fork Bank in Mineral Wells.
Impact on Local Businesses and Families
Lake Godstone, a 188‑acre nature retreat used for camping and family reunions, suffered significant damage. Volunteer firefighters saved most of the structures, using jugs and buckets filled from the nearby lake to douse hot spots, but nearly all vegetation was lost. Ranch manager Dominic Derosa estimated the damage runs into the millions of dollars, noting the personal toll of years of hard work on the property.
Other agencies, animal shelters, and school districts across the Dallas‑Fort Worth area have organized collection points for donations to assist fire departments, displaced families, and rescued livestock. Participating groups include the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of North Texas, the Jack County Rural Fire Department, and several independent school districts such as Mineral Wells ISD, Graford ISD, and Gordon ISD.
Cause and Outlook
The cause of the Ross Fire, which ignited near Highway 180 in Palo Pinto County, has not yet been released. Officials caution that shifting weather, wind, and humidity make it difficult to project a firm timeline for full containment. No injuries have been reported so far, but the ongoing effort underscores the importance of community preparedness and cooperation in the face of natural disasters.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local emergency alerts, avoid the fire‑affected areas, and support the brave men and women working tirelessly to protect homes, wildlife, and the natural beauty of North Texas.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
