"The Ross fire’s rapid expansion to over 90,000 acres in just 17 days, combined with extreme fire behavior and the deployment of hundreds of personnel, highlights the significant threat it posed to the surrounding communities and natural resources."
The Ross wildfire, located in Palo Pinto County, Texas, was first discovered on August 24, 2026, and is caused by equipment and vehicle use under the jurisdiction of the SFS. The fire rapidly expanded from 25 acres at discovery to 90,400 acres by September 10, 2026, with containment remaining at 5% until early September when it began to increase steadily, reaching 100% containment on September 16, 2026. Throughout its growth, the fire exhibited extreme behavior with long‑range spotting and group torching, later shifting to moderate, running, and isolated torching as containment improved. Personnel numbers rose from 43 to 515 during the peak, and the incident remained active until full containment was achieved. The incident’s final size was 90,400 acres, with no estimated cost reported.
Official source description: 1 Miles W from Palo Pinto, TX
Moderate; Smoldering; Creeping
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Dallas-Fort Worth. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
The fire is now fully contained, but general wildfire safety guidance still applies: stay informed about local conditions, avoid outdoor activities in fire-prone areas, and follow any evacuation orders if issued.
IRWIN ID: {B16158E2-C479-4CAB-AB57-2B2677D44A7A}
Discovered: Aug 24, 2026
Cause: Equipment and vehicle use
Managing Agency: SFS
Coordinates: 32.7598, -98.3426
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in TX.
The Ross Fire has burned 89,989 acres as of September 16, 2026.
Yes, the Ross Fire is fully contained (100%).
The official cause has been listed as: Equipment and vehicle use.
The Ross Fire is burning in Palo Pinto, TX.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Ross Fire remains active.
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