Evacuations Underway as Fast-Growing Wildfire Burns 50,000 Acres in North Texas

No injuries to the public or first responders have been reported, though damage to structures and infrastructure is still being assessed.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 8/25/2026, 10:34:39 PM EDT

Evacuations Underway as Fast-Growing Wildfire Burns 50,000 Acres in North Texas — The Ross Fire burns in Palo Pinto County, Texas, on Aug. 24, 2026. (Texas A& Forest Service via AP)

Evacuations are underway as the fast-growing Ross Fire in North Texas swelled to 50,000 acres with just 8 percent containment on Tuesday, triggering road closures and precautionary evacuation advisories in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.

The blaze ignited Monday afternoon in Palo Pinto County under elevated fire-danger conditions, according to an InciWeb daily update. Texas A&M Forest Service, in a post on X, said the fire was initially estimated at just 80 acres and 0 percent contained on Monday, before local officials requested state assistance shortly after 12:41 p.m. that day.

By Tuesday morning, the agency reported that the fire had ballooned to 50,000 acres and stood at 5 percent contained. The InciWeb 4 p.m. update Tuesday put containment slightly higher, at 8 percent, with the cause still undetermined and under investigation.

Texas A&M Forest Service is operating in unified command with local fire departments, deploying heavy equipment and aviation resources, including scooper aircraft and dozers. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) announced on Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the fire, which he said "has threatened homes, damaged property, impacted infrastructure, and prompted local evacuations in North Texas," according to a press release from his office. The grant makes Texas eligible for 75 percent federal reimbursement of eligible firefighting costs.

"Texas will provide all necessary resources to protect Texans from the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties," Abbott said in the release. "I thank the Trump Administration for the swift approval of this grant, which will help Texas suppress this wildfire and protect lives and property. Texans must limit any activity that can cause a spark and heed the guidance of state and local officials to prevent additional wildfires and keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

Hundreds of Homes Evacuated Overnight

According to the governor's office, the fire prompted the evacuation of roughly 630 homes overnight, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management has activated additional statewide wildfire resources, including Texas A&M Forest Service firefighting aircraft and equipment, Texas National Guard helicopters, Texas Highway Patrol troopers, and Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens.

According to the Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District, the City of Graford remains on alert, and both Graford Independent School District and Perrin-Whitt Consolidated Independent School District have canceled classes.

Residents north of Fortune Bend Road extending to Highway 16 North at FM 337, and near Highway 337 and Turpin Road are strongly urged—though not mandated—to evacuate as a precaution, especially those needing extra time or assistance. In Jack County, residents near 2210 and FM 4 east of Perrin, and around Rock Creek and Hassel Ranch Road face similar precautionary evacuation advisories.

Multiple roads remain closed, including FM 4 North at the county line and several stretches of Highway 337 and Highway 254, per InciWeb. Temporary flight restrictions are also in effect over the fire area to protect firefighting aircraft.

No injuries to the public or first responders have been reported, though damage to structures and infrastructure is still being assessed. Forecasters expect afternoon highs near 109 degrees with southwest winds around 10 mph, and gusts ranging from 20 to 25 mph, followed by a slight cooldown on Wednesday with an increasing chance of erratic, gusty winds from potential thunderstorms.