Updated
Updated · NBC DFW · Aug 25
Ross Fire Triggers Southern Jack County Evacuation as 50,000 Acres Burn With 5% Containment
Updated
Updated · NBC DFW · Aug 25

Ross Fire Triggers Southern Jack County Evacuation as 50,000 Acres Burn With 5% Containment

3 articles · Updated · NBC DFW · Aug 25

Summary

  • Southern Jack County residents near and east of Barton's Chapel were ordered to evacuate just before 3 a.m. Tuesday as the Ross Fire spread rapidly.
  • Farm-to-Market Road 4 was closed, and evacuees were directed to use County Road 2210 to U.S. Highway 281; an evacuation center is operating at Twin Lakes Recreation Center in Jacksboro.
  • 50,000 acres have burned since the wildfire ignited in Palo Pinto County on Monday afternoon, and the Texas A&M Forest Service said containment remains at 5%.
  • Palo Pinto County also has a voluntary evacuation in place, while Jacksboro ISD delayed classes by at least two hours and Perrin CISD canceled school Tuesday.

Insights

With Texas drought levels spiking 20% in a single week, what hidden factors ignited the explosive 50,000-acre Ross Fire?
Despite deploying air tankers and dozers, why does the massive Ross Fire remain virtually uncontained amidst rapidly worsening conditions?