Erath County Firefighters Join Battle Against 50,000-Acre Ross Fire
- Ann Davenport
- 9 minutes ago
- 1 min read
The rapidly growing Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County has become one of the largest and most challenging wildfires in the area this year, burning tens of thousands of acres and spreading into neighboring Jack County.
Amid the intense firefighting effort, Erath County firefighters were called upon to provide mutual aid, sending members and equipment to assist firefighters that are working to protect lives, property and the surrounding communities.
The fire began Monday afternoon, August 24, near the Ross community in Palo Pinto County. Fueled by extremely dry vegetation, intense heat and strong winds, the fire grew at an extraordinary rate. By Tuesday, officials were reporting that the fire had burned more than 50,000 acres, with firefighters continuing to battle the flames and work to establish containment lines.
A LOOK FROM THE FIRE LINE
The photographs accompanying this story were taken by a member of Erath County Fire & Rescue team during the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The Ross Fire has resulted in evacuations, road closures and damage to structures, while firefighters from across the region continue working to slow its advance.
We are proud of all of these brave firefighters, and shout out to our Erath County Fire & Rescue members who stepped up to help our neighbors in Palo Pinto County.
Please keep all of the firefighters, emergency personnel, residents and families affected by this fire in your thoughts as crews continue their work.
