PARKER COUNTY, Texas – Firefighters in Palo Pinto County are battling a large grass fire that has shut down part of Highway 180.
Ross Fire
What we know:
The so-called Ross Fire is burning near Hwy. 180 and Ross Watson Road, about 60 miles west of Fort Worth
Flames have consumed up to 450 acres, consisting of one main fire and two smaller fires burning nearby. The fire is 0% contained, according to Palo Pinto County emergency officials.
The fire is located in a rural area, but firefighters were working offensively to protect at least one structure that is being threatened.
Planes were seen dropping a fire-retardant slurry mix to try and contain the blaze. Sky 4 also caught planes scooping up water to drop onto the fire.
The Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office says there are no mandatory evacuation orders in place, but nearby residents are encouraged to leave the area.
Texas A&M Forest Services says over 4,000 acres have been burned by the fire.
Big picture view:
Hwy. 180 is reportedly shut down in that area because of the fire. People are encouraged to avoid the area.
FOX 4’s Dan Henry notes that the Ross Fire is so intense, the clouds of smoke were picked up on satellite.
What they’re saying:
Matt Turner with the Texas A&M Forest Service says they’re having to rotate fires in and out due to the extreme heat. North Texas hit a record 109 degrees on August 24.
“Our firefighters are now having to deal with that high heat and high temperature, meaning they can’t work for quite as long without risking some serious health injuries,” Turner tells FOX 4’s Vania Castillo.
What’s next:
Crews are expected to work overnight and into tomorrow to continue to fight the fire.
They’re hoping the lower overnight temperatures will help to contain the inferno.
The Source: The information in this story comes from updates from Parker County ESD1 and the Texas A&M Forest Service.