Aerial drops underway as Ross fire near Palo Pinto grows amid high wildfire risk

A grass fire near Ross in Palo Pinto County has burned at least 2,500 acres and is 5% contained as crews battle dry, windy conditions and conduct aerial drops Monday afternoon.

The Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District said that the fire started at around 25 acres at 1:28 p.m. on Monday. Damage to three or four structures has been reported and more remain at risk.

A fifth alarm has been called, and a Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Team was called to the scene, the Texas Forest Service said. Also supporting defense efforts are the Texas A&M Forest Service for dozers and air support.  

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place.

Wildfire risks in North Texas

The National Weather Service is currently monitoring a handful of wildfires west of I-35. The largest at the moment is the Ross fire in central Palo Pinto County, near US-180 and FM 919.

After more than a month without measurable rainfall, finer surface fuels are becoming critically to extremely dry and are ready to burn.

Monday afternoon, sustained south/southwest winds of 10–15 mph, with occasional gusts of 20–25 mph, are combining with very low relative humidity of 18-25% to create an elevated fire threat, especially along and north of I-20 and west of I-35W through Monday evening. Breezy conditions could allow fires to spread quickly and become more resistant to control.

Winds should lighten somewhat Tuesday, but with poor overnight humidity recovery, critically to extremely dry fuels and above-average temperatures, the increased wildfire threat will continue Tuesday afternoon and evening.