Willowfork Fire Department personnel from the small community of Willowfork, Texas, were injured on August 27 when a truck pulling a large trailer lost control and collided head‑on with their fire apparatus. The crew was en route to a new sector of the Ross Fire, a fast‑moving blaze that has scorched more than 85,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
Background on the Ross Fire
The Ross Fire ignited on August 24 in Palo Pinto County and quickly spread into neighboring Jack County. As of August 31, the incident page listed the wildfire at 85,303 acres with 31% containment, making it the second‑largest wildfire in North Texas history. Hundreds of firefighters from across the state converged on the area to protect homes, farms, and critical infrastructure.
Willowfork’s Role in the Multi‑Agency Response
Answering a request for assistance on August 25, the Willowfork crew joined firefighters from larger departments, supplying water to other fire engines and helping to secure the perimeter of the fire. The department’s statement highlighted the crew’s dedication, noting they worked through the night of August 25‑26 under “difficult conditions” to safeguard nearby communities.
The Collision
On the morning of August 27, while traveling to a different sector of the fire, a truck pulling a sizable trailer veered off the road and crossed the path of the Willowfork fire apparatus. The trailer struck the vehicle head‑on, causing extensive damage to the apparatus. The department confirmed that several firefighters received medical treatment, though it did not disclose the exact number of injured personnel or the severity of their injuries.
Department Response
Fire Chief Billy Wilson praised the crew’s willingness to answer the call and affirmed the department’s commitment to supporting the injured firefighters during their recovery. “Our crews answered the call to help protect the communities affected by the Ross Fire, working long hours under difficult conditions,” Wilson said. “We are incredibly proud of their dedication and professionalism and will continue to support our firefighters as they recover.”
Ongoing Assessment
Willowfork Fire Department is currently assessing the damage to the fire apparatus and coordinating with neighboring agencies to ensure continued coverage of the Ross Fire. The department also expressed gratitude to the broader network of firefighters, emergency personnel, and volunteers who have been battling the blaze and assisting with the crash response.
What This Means for Local Residents
For residents of Palo Pinto County and surrounding areas, the incident underscores the risks faced by first‑responders who protect communities from increasingly severe wildfires. The Ross Fire continues to threaten homes and infrastructure, and local authorities urge residents to stay informed about evacuation orders and to follow safety guidelines issued by fire officials.
As containment efforts progress, the collaborative response among multiple fire departments, including Willowfork’s brave crew, remains a vital component of Texas’ commitment to safeguarding families, property, and the environment.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
