A wildfire that started near Ross in Palo Pinto County just before 1:30 p.m. Monday has grown to at least 50,000 acres, spreading into neighboring Jack County and forcing residents to evacuate. As of Tuesday night, the fire was 12% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The fire was initially estimated at 25 acres when it was first reported by the Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District. It rapidly expanded to thousands of acres, driven by dry vegetation, a lack of measurable rainfall, and gusty winds that are creating elevated wildfire conditions across parts of North Texas. The blaze is burning near U.S. 180 and FM 919, and damage to three or four structures has been reported, with more structures remaining at risk.
One of the more significant losses involves Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto, a property belonging to the Longhorn Council of Scouting America. Many buildings at the ranch suffered catastrophic damage. The organization said no scouts, campers, or guests were at the property when the fire moved in, and the camp ranger, Pat Adams, was safely evacuated.
Residents in Jack County along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281 have been ordered to evacuate. An evacuation center has been set up at Twin Lake Recreation Center on Highway 59 in Jacksboro. U.S. Highway 180 is closed to all traffic between South FM 4 and FM 919, and a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area.
Schools in the area were also affected. Jacksboro ISD delayed the start of school Tuesday by two hours, while Perrin CISD canceled classes for the day. The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team and the Texas A&M Forest Service are supporting firefighting efforts with dozers and aircraft.
For displaced livestock, the Graham Livestock Commission opened space at the Old Mineral Wells Sale Barn at 2805 North Oak Ave. The Humane Society of North Texas said it is helping the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter clear its current population to make room for pets displaced by the fire. Twelve dogs and 26 cats were expected to arrive at the Fort Worth shelter by Wednesday afternoon.
