From The Texas Tribune · Alejandra Martinez · · 2m
Ross Fire fully contained after 23 days in North Texas
Firefighters eliminated fuel along the perimeter of the 90,000-acre blaze that became the region's second-largest wildfire.
In brief
Firefighters eliminated fuel along the perimeter of the 90,000-acre blaze that became the region's second-largest wildfire. The Ross Fire burned nearly 90,000 acres over 23 days, destroying 167 structures before being fully contained by more than 500 firefighters. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Ross Fire fully contained
After 23 days, firefighters eliminated all fuel along the fire's perimeter. The blaze burned 89,989 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
More than 500 firefighters responded
Crews cleared trees, dry leaves, and vegetation, scraping soil down to bare dirt. Little is left to catch flame.
Fire grew with extraordinary speed
The Ross Fire sparked on Aug. 24 and doubled to 50,000 acres in hours. By Aug. 26, it had climbed above 80,000 acres.
Equipment or vehicle caused it
Fire investigators determined the fire started along a road and was caused by equipment or a vehicle, though the specific source couldn't be identified.
Second-largest wildfire in area history
The Ross Fire ranks behind only the Possum Kingdom Complex Fire, which burned 126,734 acres in April 2011.
Steep terrain made fighting difficult
Rocky terrain made portions of the fire hard to reach. Intense heat forced firefighters to take precautions as the body can only tolerate so much.
167 structures destroyed
At least 167 structures were destroyed, including 18 occupied by residents. Evacuation orders were issued but have since been lifted.
Record drought fueled the fire
The Dallas-Fort Worth region went more than 60 days without measurable rain, the third-longest stretch on record. Dried vegetation ignited easily.
Air crews arrived three days late
Bridger Aerospace scoopers delivered 411,000 gallons of water but arrived three days after the fire began. One lawmaker called that gap a catastrophe.
“Three days later, in a wildfire, three days is a catastrophe waiting to happen, and that gap is a structural problem.”
State invested in volunteer departments
Texas appropriated $192 million last year to help rural volunteer fire departments update equipment. Departments in both counties received some funds.
Recovery costs will exceed budgets
Volunteer fire departments drove brush trucks through rugged terrain, burning through tires that cost $700 to $1,000 each. Recovery expenses will exceed budgets.
“It's very expensive to fight these wildland fires.”
Here's the gist
The Ross Fire burned nearly 90,000 acres over 23 days, destroying 167 structures before being fully contained by more than 500 firefighters.
