Ross Fire still burning after a week, with 85,000 acres scorched and more than 150 structures destroyed

Updated on: August 31, 2026 / 10:00 AM CDT / CBS Texas

A wildfire that sparked near Ross in Palo Pinto County on Aug. 24 has burned at least 85,000 acres and is 31% contained a week later. It has destroyed more than 150 structures in the area, including homes, forced evacuations in neighboring Jack County and affected local schools, North Texas officials said.

The National Weather Service said the Ross Fire is now the second-largest wildfire in North Texas.

The Ross Fire has burned at least 85,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, with the fire burning near U.S. 180 and FM 919.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire was 31% contained as of Monday, Aug. 31.

Residents in Jack County along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281 were instructed to evacuate on Tuesday, Aug. 25; however, those mandatory evacuations were lifted a day later as conditions improved. Jack County Emergency Management warns returning residents to stay vigilant as the fire is still burning in neighboring Palo Pinto County.

The fire began near Ross in Palo Pinto County just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, and was initially estimated at 25 acres, according to the…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/