Satellite Imagery Captures Ross Fire Glowing
The Ross Fire in Texas had burned more than 80,000 acres and was only 12 percent contained as of Wednesday, August 26, according to officials . Timelapse satellite imagery posted on X by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) shows the Ross Fire burning across Palo Pinto and Jack counties from Tuesday into Wednesday. The fire began on August 24 west of Palo Pinto, an unincorporated community about 65 miles west of Fort Worth. Credit: CSU/CIRA & NOAA via Storyful
The Ross Fire has scorched at least 80,000 acres in North Texas, damaging several structures in Palo Pinto County, including a longtime canoe rental business in Graford.
The Ross Fire is among several wildfires burning west of Interstate 35 as extremely dry fuels, high temperatures and strong winds create dangerous fire conditions across North Texas.
Ross Fire size and containment
The fire began the afternoon of Aug. 24 near Ross and spread rapidly under hot, dry and windy conditions. It grew from about 25 acres to 85,000 acres within two days. As of Aug. 28, the fire was 26% contained.
Palo Pinto wildfire smoke map tracker
Where is the Ross Fire?
The Ross Fire sparked just west of Palo Pinto, a small unincorporated town about 80 miles west of Fort Worth.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the nation as the Weather Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. She can be reached at baddison@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Facebook here.