Fueled by extreme dry conditions, the rapidly spreading Ross Fire has exploded to 80,000 acres, forcing widespread local evacuations across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, which are located about two hours west of Fort Worth, Texas. FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell is live in Graford, Texas with the latest.
THE TAKEAWAY
- The Ross Fire has scorched 80,000 acres and remains at 12% contained.
- The Hawk Fire has scorched over 15,000 acres and remains at 85% contained.
- Firefighters in both regions are battling dangerous fire weather conditions.
Wildfires are presenting severe challenges for emergency crews in two different parts of the country as fast-moving blazes tear through North Texas and Nevada.
The dangerous Ross Fire has exploded to 80,000 acres near Fort Worth, while the Hawk Fire near Reno holds at 85% containment after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
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Plane flies through Hawk Fire encroaching on homes in Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Washoe County Sheriff’s Office) -
Crews respond to Hawk Fire encroaching on Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District) -
Firefighters work to contain the Hawk Fire in Nevada on Aug. 23, 2026.
(North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District) -
The Hawk Fire scorches thousands of acres of land near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District)
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The fires are unfolding hundreds of miles apart, but both have been fueled by low humidity, gusty winds, and extremely dry conditions, creating a difficult situation for firefighters working to protect homes and infrastructure.
Ross Fire explodes across North Texas
The Ross Fire has rapidly expanded across Palo Pinto and Jack counties west of Fort Worth, scorching 80,000 acres as of Wednesday and reaching just 12% containment.
(FOX Weather)
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that the Ross Fire has threatened homes, damaged property and impacted infrastructure, after evacuations were ordered in parts of Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
The Ross Fire continues to wreak havoc in northern Texas, burning 50,000 acres with only 5% containment. Video shows the smoke and fire-filled skies on Monday as firefighters worked to continue the blaze.
While mandatory regional evacuation orders have expired, local officials in both counties continue to maintain voluntary advisories on Wednesday as firefighters battle dangerous wildfire conditions.
Massive flames and thick smoke consume the skies over Palo Pinto County as the Ross Fire expands. Video captured from nearby Lone Camp highlights the destructive blaze tearing across the region Monday, which has now exploded to 50,000 acres with just 5% containment.
Palo Pinto County, particularly around the towns of Palo Pinto and Graford, has seen some of the most significant impacts, while the fire has also pushed northward into southern Jack County.
Hot temperatures, low humidity and worsening drought conditions are expected to fuel elevated wildfire risks throughout the week.
(FOX Weather)
Extreme heat will continue to dry fuels across the region, increasing the potential for further fire spread.
Little to no significant rain is expected in the coming days, though firefighters are hoping any rainfall that does occur will provide some relief.
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The grass fire began Monday afternoon near Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road, with the Texas A&M Forest Service warning that the blaze has “large growth potential,” and is now in its third day of burning.
Hawk Fire threatens communities near Reno
Near Reno, the Hawk Fire has scorched upward of 15,000 acres, triggering a state of emergency and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
Evacuation orders have since been scaled back following critical gains made on Tuesday, which brought containment to 85%.
(FOX Weather)
Officials announced Sunday that the fire was human-caused. Seven injuries have been reported, including four civilians and three firefighters, with no deaths reported.
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Washoe County, particularly around the northwest Reno community of Somersett, has seen some of the most significant impacts, while the fire has also threatened adjacent canyon lands and foothill developments.
The Hawk Fire has scorched more than 15,000 acres near Reno, Nevada, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and destroying dozens of homes. FOX Weather Senior Correspondent Robert Ray has exclusive access to the charred landscape, bringing the latest on the dangerous wildfire.
Officials said 47 homes and one commercial building were destroyed, while eight other homes sustained serious damage.
(FOX Weather)
While the main fire line has stabilized, gusty winds between 20 and 30 mph are expected to return, which could still hamper firefighters working to secure the remainder of the fire.
The Hawk Fire burns near Reno, Nevada, on Aug. 23, 2026.
(Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District / FOX Weather)
“The primary challenge shifts to managing hot spots under a return of dangerous fire weather conditions, as low humidity and shifting winds could flare up uncontained pockets of brush,” the FOX Forecast Center said.
Stay with FOX Weather as we continue to track changing fire weather conditions and containment progress.
