The Ross Fire that started west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County on Monday, Aug. 24, had already consumed 50,000 acres as of Tuesday morning, Aug. 25, officials say.
Texas A&M Forest Service
North Texas residents are seeing and smelling smoke because of a shift in wind direction from the Ross Fire, which has burned more than 80,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
Wildfire smoke expected to move south and southeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is leading to reduced visibility and poor air quality in dense smoke, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.
Mild effects from the smoke are likely to reach Tarrant County and Fort Worth, meteorologist Derek Dornsife told the Star-Telegram. The greatest impacts, including reduced visibility and higher risks for those with respiratory issues, remain largely west and southwest of the DFW metroplex, he said.
Dornsife advised drivers to reduce speeds, keep headlights on, exercise caution, leave extra space between vehicles, and be mindful that everyone is driving through the same smoke.
Because of heavy smoke in the area, the Parker County Health Department advised limiting outdoor activities under current air conditions, Aledo ISD officials posted on social media. Aledo ISD campuses plan to hold physical education, athletics, and recess indoors while limiting other outdoor activities until conditions improve.
“Our prayers are with the residents of Palo Pinto County and surrounding areas and the first responders battling the fires,” the post read.
Cook Children’s Pediatrics in Burleson noted that the smoke plume from the Palo Pinto fires affected air quality in Johnson and Tarrant counties, advising parents to consider keeping children with a history of lung issues indoors.
The White Settlement Fire Department received an increased number of reports of visible smoke and a strong smell of smoke throughout the city Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
White Settlement residents may notice a smoky haze or strong odor even though the fire is a significant distance away, the department said in a social media post.
“The Ross Fire is not moving toward Tarrant County, and there is no danger to Tarrant County residents at this time. The smoke and odor currently being experienced in the area are the result of the wind shift carrying smoke from the Ross Fire into the region,” the post read.
Anyone who smells smoke or sees general haze without identifying a specific source of smoke or fire is asked to use non-emergency numbers: West Comm 911 at 817-246-4973 or Tarrant County Regional Communications at 817-232-9800.
People with respiratory sensitivities or other conditions affected by smoke should consider limiting outdoor activities, keeping windows and doors closed, and remaining indoors until conditions improve. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, should call 911, the fire department said.
While the smoke may be noticeable, changing wind conditions can cause haze to move and vary throughout the day, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to stay aware of changing conditions and use caution, particularly those sensitive to smoke or reduced visibility, the post read.
“The smoke in the area is a result of a shift in wind direction from the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County. Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure until the smoke clears,” City of Benbrook said in a social media post.
Ross fire
This map shows the latest location and available information for the Ross Fire. Tap the fire icon or perimeter outline to view current fire details.Data is provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire, IRWIN, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), NASA, NOAA and Esri.
Steve Wilson swilson@star-telegram.com
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Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.