"The Ross fire is notable for its rapid expansion to over 90,000 acres within a week, the extreme fire behavior it exhibited, and the large number of personnel (up to 562) and resources committed to control it. Its continued activity and moderate containment status highlight the ongoing risk to surrounding communities and ecosystems."
The Ross wildfire, located in Palo Pinto County, Texas, was first discovered on August 24, 2026, and is currently active under the jurisdiction of the SFS. The fire began as equipment and vehicle use and rapidly expanded from 25 acres at discovery to 90,048 acres by September 3, 2026, with containment remaining at 38% as of the latest update. Early growth was explosive, reaching 5,000 acres by August 24 night and 10,000 acres by the morning of August 25, while extreme behavior such as long‑range spotting and wind‑driven runs persisted. Over the following days, personnel increased from 43 to 562, and containment improved modestly from 5% to 38% as the fire transitioned from extreme to moderate behavior and began flanking operations. The incident remains active with ongoing isolated torching and flanking efforts, and the fire has not yet been fully contained.
Official source description: 1 Miles W from Palo Pinto, TX
Moderate; Creeping; Smoldering
Moderate air quality. Unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
Nearest reporting station: Dallas-Fort Worth. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
General wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed through local authorities, avoid the fire perimeter, and be prepared to evacuate if instructed.
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 90,400 acres as of September 6, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Ross Fire is 57% contained.
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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