ROSS, Texas — A fast-moving wildfire burning west of Fort Worth has exploded in size, forcing evacuations in parts of North Texas and destroying structures as crews race to contain it.
The Ross Fire has grown to 80,000 acres in parts of Palo Pinto and Jack counties and is 12% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The fire started Monday afternoon and quickly grew as crews dealt with dry conditions and gusty winds.
A NASA satellite view shows the size of the Ross Fire compared with other fires visible in the region.
Firefighters have been working to build containment lines and protect communities. Dozers and aircraft have also been sent in to help fight the flames.
Officials said at least five structures have been destroyed. Parts of highways 180 and 254 have been closed because of the fire.
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Residents described frightening moments as the fire moved through the area over the last couple of days.
“The hill we saw it come over the hill and then about 3:30 in the morning, and that’s when we thought we lost the houses so and we got we got here at 7 this morning, and we were shocked that we had houses,” homeowner Justin Lane said on Tuesday.
“My husband was already awake, so he came in and said we need to get out and we need to get out now,” resident Katie Dean said Tuesday.
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An evacuation center is open at the Twin Lakes Community Activity Center in Jacksboro.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s Press Office posted about the fire, saying the Texas Division of Emergency Management has activated additional statewide fire response resources.
Abbott’s office also said FEMA has approved a grant request for the fire.
Officials have not released information on what caused the fire, how much damage has been done beyond the structures already reported, or whether more evacuations are expected.