Texas Ross Fire tops 90,000 acres, 157 structures destroyed — second-largest wildfire in North Texas history
The Ross Fire in North Texas has grown past 90,000 acres (~364 sq km) and is about 38% contained. Damage assessments show 157 structures destroyed including 25 homes, making it the second-largest wildfire in North Texas recorded history.
The Ross Fire in North Texas has burned more than 90,000 acres and was about 38% contained as of the latest reports.
According to KERA News, the fire started Aug. 24 and grew from 80 acres to 15,000 acres the same day as winds pushed flames north into Jack County. The National Weather Service says the Ross Fire is the second-largest wildfire in North Texas recorded history, behind the 2011 Possum Kingdom Complex Fire.
Damage assessments show 157 structures were destroyed, including 25 homes; 43 structures had major damage and 97 others minor damage. The historic Worth Ranch Boy Scouts camp, about 60 miles west of Fort Worth on the Brazos River, suffered widespread and catastrophic damage.
North Texas is experiencing above-average heat and dry conditions: Fort Worth has been in moderate drought since Aug. 11, and the region has gone 46 days without measurable rain. Texas currently has 12 active fires; last week 156 wildfires burned over 94,000 acres statewide. Burn bans remain in effect in multiple counties.