The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties is now one of the largest fires in the DFW area’s recorded history.
The fire, which began Monday, Aug. 24, grew extremely quickly with drought conditions, high wind, low humidity and a large quantity of fuel. By Tuesday, the fire had doubled in size to 50,000 acres. By Wednesday, it was at 80,000 acres.
On Monday, Aug. 31, the fire acreage was adjusted to 90,000 acres with only 31% containment.
Containment refers to the portion of the fire’s perimeter where a line or barrier aimed at stopping the spread of a fire has been built by firefighters.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, priorities have been to protect people, defend communities and critical structures, slow the fire’s movement and build lines that can eventually hold the fire in place.
Though no injuries have been reported, at least 157 structures have been lost – 43 with major damage and 97 with minor damage. 453 structures have been saved.
One of the major structures impacted was Worth Ranch, a historic 800-acre Scouting America camp near the Brazos River.
Evacuation orders have been lifted, but officials told residents in or near affected areas to be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change.
Only parts of Highway Texas 254 remain closed as crews continue responding to the fire.
According to the National Weather Service, this August will go on record as the driest on record. Extreme heat continues to elevate fire danger throughout the area, with the majority of the month being over than 100 degrees.
A huge number of area fire departments have been assisting with the fire, including Erath County agencies.
“We remain incredibly grateful to every firefighter, first responder and partner agency that stood alongside our communities throughout this incident,” Palo Pinto County ESD 1 stated on its social media.
Smoke from the Ross Fire has been moving east and southeast including into Erath County, creating orange, hazy skies and affecting air quality. People with respiratory conditions, children and older adults in areas where the smoke has drifted were advised to stay inside, according to the state’s environmental regulators, Texas Tribune reported.
During the process of the fire though unrelated, on Thursday, Aug. 27, a woman was found dead near a burning car in Palo Pinto County.
According to the press release, at 4:39 a.m. Thursday, a 911 caller reported that a vehicle was on fire at Oaks Crossing near the Brazos River. Several fire departments and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene.
Investigators believed the woman was the victim of a homicide unrelated to the Ross Fire and called the Texas Rangers to assist.
“Despite the operational challenges of the ongoing wildfires, Palo Pinto County investigators, with the assistance of the Texas Rangers, were able to identify a suspect,” officials said.
Michael Wayne Hatcher, was arrested Thursday night on capital murder charges. The victim has not been publicly identified.