The Ross Fire burns over 90,000 acres in North Texas, destroying hundreds of structures and killing livestock.
The Ross Fire, which began on August 24 near Highway 180 in Palo Pinto County, has burned more than 90,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties. The wildfire started due to a blown tire and has been described as one of the largest wildfires in Texas history. Firefighters from across the state have joined the response to contain the blaze, which was reported to be 31% to 38% contained as of early September. The fire has destroyed at least 157 structures and damaged 140 others, while 453 structures were saved. Agricultural impacts are significant, with more than 100 head of livestock believed to have been killed. Curtis Preston, an area chief for the North Region of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's Disaster Assessment and Recovery unit, stated that the full extent of the losses remains unknown as some areas are still inaccessible. Preston noted that the fire's intensity was high enough to burn large oak trees and that ranchers may face a long-term recovery process involving the replacement of cattle and the repair of fencing and grazing land.
Sources
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Ross Fire grows to 90,000 acres. See wildfire tracker and smoke map
Yahoo News Canada
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Here's what started the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County
CBS News
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'It is devastating': More than 100 livestock believed killed in massive Ross Fire
Yahoo
Paywall and unreadable sources
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Ross Fire has burned in North Texas for three days
The Texas Tribune
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Ross Fire burns 90,000 acres in Palo Pinto, Jack counties; 157 structures destroyed
Fort Worth Report