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Blown tire sparked the 90,000-acre Ross Fire in North Texas - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
A blown tire on Texas Highway 180 near Ross sparked the wildfire that has now scorched more than 90,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties, making the Ross Fire the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history. Investigators determined the fire ignited on August 24 when a vehicle's blown tire sent metal scraping across pavement, creating sparks, or when hot debris landed on dry grass nearby.
Investigators determined the fire ignited on August 24 when a vehicle's blown tire sent metal scraping across pavement, creating sparks, or when hot debris landed on dry grass nearby. Eleven days later, the blaze has consumed at least 90,048 acres and is only 38 percent contained.
The destruction has been severe. The fire has leveled 157 structures, and thousands of acres of ranch land, homes, and property across two counties remain at risk while crews work to push containment higher. For people in the region, fires like this one are a constant reminder of how fast conditions can turn when drought-dry grass meets a single spark.
Something as ordinary as a tire blowout can trigger one of the largest wildfires a region has seen in years, and that detail will stick with anyone who drives Texas roads in summer.
Common questions
What caused the Ross Fire in North Texas?
- A blown tire on Texas Highway 180 near Ross started the fire on August 24. Metal scraping across pavement or hot debris landing on dry grass created the spark. It has since burned more than 90,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
How big is the Ross Fire and how contained is it?
- The Ross Fire has burned at least 90,048 acres, making it the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history. As of eleven days after ignition, it is only 38 percent contained, and 157 structures have been destroyed with more ranch land and homes still at risk.
Which counties does the Ross Fire affect?
- The Ross Fire is burning across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in North Texas. Thousands of acres of ranch land, homes, and property in both counties remain threatened as crews continue working to increase containment.
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