Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched

UNITED STATES: A wildfire that sparked near Ross in Palo Pinto County on Aug. 24 has burned at least 90,400 acres and is about 57% contained. It has destroyed more than 150 structures in the area, including homes, forced evacuations in neighboring Jack County and affected local schools, North Texas officials said.

The National Weather Service said the Ross Fire is now the second-largest wildfire in North Texas.

The Ross Fire has burned at least 90,400 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, with the fire burning near U.S. 180 and FM 919.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service , the fire was 57% contained as of Monday, Sept. 7; 157 structures have been destroyed, 140 structures are damaged, and 453 structures have been saved.

Residents in Jack County along County Road 2210 toward Highway 281 were instructed to evacuate on Tuesday, Aug. 25; however, those mandatory evacuations were lifted a day later as conditions improved. Jack County Emergency Management warns returning residents to stay vigilant as the fire is still burning in neighboring Palo Pinto County.

The fire began near Ross in Palo Pinto County just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, and was initially estimated at 25 acres, according to the Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District. It rapidly expanded to thousands of acres.

The Longhorn Council of Scouting America said many buildings at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto were among the structures that suffered catastrophic damage, but no scouts, campers, or guests were at the property when the fire moved into the area, and the camp ranger, Pat Adams, was safely evacuated.

This Bay News report is based on originating coverage from CBS.