Ross Fire burns 90,400 acres in Texas

The Ross Fire has burned approximately 90,400 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in Texas. Officials from the Texas A&M Forest Service and local agencies have determined the blaze was ‘human-caused,’ originating from equipment or vehicle use associated with a roadside start. The fire has destroyed 167 structures, including 18 occupied homes. As of recent reports, containment stands at approximately 38%.

The wildfire occurs amid a devastating 2026 fire season in the United States. Data from the National Interagency Fire Center indicates that over 52,000 wildfires have burned more than 8.2 million acres across the country year-to-date, representing 163% of the average annual acreage burned. This surge in fire activity follows significant restructuring and staffing reductions within the U.S. Forest Service, including the loss of over 6,000 employees and the closure of numerous research labs.