Ross Fire becomes largest summer wildfire in Texas
The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County has burned 90,400 acres since igniting Aug. 24, making it the largest summertime wildfire in Texas since detailed statewide wildfire records began in 2005.
As of Sept. 4, the Ross Fire is estimated at 90,400 acres, and 38% is contained. The wildfire has destroyed 167 structures, including 18 occupied residences and damaged 95 structures. Local and state firefighters have saved 453 structures and no fatalities have been reported.
The wildfire grew rapidly during its first several days, reaching approximately 50,000 acres Aug. 25 and 80,000 acres Aug. 26. As the fire increased in size and complexity, local, state and federal resources responded to support suppression efforts and protect communities in and around the affected area.
Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement, in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, determined the Ross Fire was human-caused. Investigators could not conclusively identify the specific ignition source but determined the fire originated from equipment or vehicle use associated with a roadside start.
Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist local fire departments with wildfire response by providing personnel, heavy equipment, aviation and incident management support.
“Firefighters continue working across the incident to strengthen containment lines and extinguish remaining heat,” said Boe Adler, Texas A&M Forest Service regional operations chief (and Ross Fire day operations section chief). “In some areas, crews are working to establish 100 feet of cold, burned ground along control lines, while engines, dozers and hand crews continue securing portions of the fire.”
Today there are 490 personnel and 112 resources fighting the wildfire, including 87 engines, six water tenders, two hand crews and 15 dozers.
Aviation resources also continue to support suppression efforts. Throughout the response, 23 aircraft have supported firefighters on the ground, delivering 434,374 gallons of retardant and 2,512,697 gallons of water.
Texas A&M Forest Service began maintaining detailed records of all wildfires reported across Texas in 2005, including fires responded to by local fire departments. Today, the Ross Fire ranks 15th-largest wildfire recorded in Texas during that period.
The wildfire is also the largest wildfire recorded during summer, June 1 through September. The Ross Fire response also marked the first ground-based application of fire retardant during wildfire suppression operations in Texas. On Aug. 31, firefighters used a Type 3 wildland engine to apply retardant along 4.5 miles of state Highway 16, establishing a contingency holding line in an area where dense vegetation, narrow roadways and power lines presented challenges for aerial operations.
While supporting the Ross Fire, the Texas AM Forest Service Abilene Airtanker Base reached a milestone for the 2026 fire year, loading its 1 millionth gallon of fire retardant. Tanker 102 received the load that pushed the base past the milestone.
The Ross Fire remains active and firefighters continue suppression operations across the incident. Acreage, containment and resource numbers may change as conditions and operations progress.
Visit the InciWeb portal for current information on the Ross Fire.
Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Current Situation page for the latest on wildfires across the state.
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