This browser does not support the Video element.
Ross Fire 31% contained after burning 85k+ acres
The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties is 31% contained as firefighters work to stop new growth.
Firefighters continue to battle the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties Saturday as donations poured in to support many of the volunteer departments helping fight the wildfire.
The fire is about 31% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Texas A&M Forest Service has called the Ross Fire the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history.
Ross Fire support effort
What we know:
A Facebook post from the Jermyn Volunteer Fire Department asking for water, electrolytes and snacks for its firefighters quickly drew widespread support, Jermyn Fire Chief Robert Goodin said.
Fort Worth police held a collection drive outside a Walmart Saturday morning, where people donated supplies for firefighters working on the Ross Fire.
"This is a small thing, but it’s overwhelming this early at the very beginning to already see cars lined up," Fort Worth police officer Brad Perez said.
Goodin said most fire departments in Jack County and many neighboring counties are staffed by volunteers. He said the Ross Fire is the largest fire he has battled and that the heat and changing wind conditions have made the work difficult.
"It is kind of frustrating and it is overwhelming. I mean, it’s tiresome," Goodin said.
He said donations received by the Jermyn department will also be shared with other departments that may not have the same outreach.
Firefighters work to contain Ross Fire
Dig deeper:
Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Boe Adler said fire activity increased Friday, but growth remained within existing controlled areas. Firefighters battled flare-ups and spot fires that crossed containment lines.
Crews are expected to focus on new fire growth east of Farm to Market Road 4, where heavy equipment is being used to build containment lines. Firefighters are also cleaning up hot spots in the northern section of the fire and constructing and strengthening containment lines in the south.
Adler said the fire remains east of Highway 16 near the fish hatchery and was not threatening the hatchery.
As of Saturday morning, no evacuation orders were in place. Highway 254 remained closed between North Highway 16 and North FM 4.
The fire has damaged 157 structures, including 18 occupied homes, the agency said. Firefighters have saved 453 structures.
The Source: Information in this article comes from an Aug. 29 briefing from Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Operations Chief Boe Adler and Texas A&M Forest Service.