Ross Fire continues to burn across 90,000 acres in North Texas

The Ross Fire continues to burn west of Fort Worth, remaining one of the largest wildfires in the recorded history of North Texas. As of early September, the blaze has consumed approximately 90,400 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties.

Containment efforts reached approximately 57%, aided by increased humidity and slightly lower temperatures brought by Tropical Storm Edouard. However, firefighters face significant challenges, including intense heat in certain hotspots that prevents ground crews from breaking through, and the risk of reburn from scorched timber combined with strong southeasterly winds.

The region is currently experiencing a severe dry spell, with more than 53 days without measurable rain, marking the seventh-longest stretch on record for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Investigators determined the fire was sparked by a vehicle or equipment along a road, though the specific cause remains undetermined. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd indicated that it could take several more weeks to fully extinguish the fire.