Ross Wildfire Grows to 80,000 Acres With Thousands of Homes Threatened
*Only 12% contained as nearly 200 personnel battle blaze in Palo Pinto County, Texas*
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — The Ross Wildfire has exploded to 80,000 acres with only 12% containment, threatening thousands of homes and tens of thousands of residents in Palo Pinto County, Texas, according to data from the Associated Press and NBC 5.
The fast-moving blaze, discovered just yesterday with an unknown cause, ranks as the 15th largest of 241 active fires currently burning across the country. A total of 197 firefighting personnel have been assigned to battle the fire — ranking it 26th in personnel deployment nationally.
The numbers on the ground are alarming:
- 16,199 people are currently inside the fire's perimeter - 9,916 homes sit within the threatened zone - The fire is only 12% contained - Cause of the fire remains unknown
Aerial maps show a dramatic red perimeter stretching through the county near Lake Mineral Wells, with the active fire front pushing aggressively through the region.
Evacuation orders are in effect for affected areas. Residents inside the perimeter are urged to leave immediately and follow instructions from local emergency management officials.
Firefighting crews are battling hot, dry conditions as they work to establish containment lines. No fatalities have been reported, but officials warn the situation remains extremely dangerous and fluid.
Anyone in the affected area should monitor local emergency alerts and be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.
