The Ross Fire west of Fort Worth made history, becoming the largest wildfire in Texas in 2026 and the 15th-largest in the state's history.
The fire in Palo Pinto County is now in its 15th day and has already burned through 90,400 acres, with containment at 57% as of a Sept. 7 update from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
In total, the forest service reports that 490 personnel and 112 resources are currently assigned to the fire. Throughout the response, 23 aircraft have supported firefighters on the ground, delivering more than 434,000 gallons of retardant and 2.5 million gallons of water.
Here's the current status and location of the Ross Fire and other wildfires across the state.
How did the Ross Fire start?
The wildfire, which ignited on Aug. 24, was determined to be human-caused,
according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Public information officer Laura Stevens said in a statement to USA TODAY that the agency's law enforcement division worked with local law enforcement agencies to investigate the fire.
"The fire originated from equipment/vehicle use associated with a roadside start," the statement said.
CBS News Texasinitially reported the fire was sparked by a blown tire on a vehicle traveling along U.S. Highway 180.
Adam Turner with the Texas A&M Forest Service told CBS News Texas that investigators examined evidence, including pieces of rubber and tire marks on the asphalt, to determine the cause.
Largest wildfires in Texas history
Here's a look at the 15 largest wildfires in Texas history:
- Smokehouse Creek Fire (2024) — 1,054,153 acres
- East Amarillo Complex Fire (2006) — 907,245 acres
- Big Country Fire (1988) — 366,000 acres
- Perryton Fire (2017) — 318,156 acres
- Rockhouse Fire (2011) — 314,444 acres
- Glass Fire (2008) — 220,000 acres
- Deaton Cole Fire (2011) — 175,000 acres
- Cooper Mountain Ranch Fire (2011) — 162,625 acres
- Wildcat Fire (2011) — 158,308 acres
- Windy Deuce Fire (2024) — 143,302 acres
- Lefors East Fire (2017) — 135,000 acres
- PK Complex Fire (2011) — 126,734 acres
- Swenson Fire (2011) — 122,500 acres
- Huckabee Fire (2008) — 98,168 acres
- Ross Fire (2026) — 90,400 acres
Texas 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.
Texas weather watches and warnings
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ross Fire becomes Texas' 15th largest wildfire as it keeps burning
