Overview
- A fast-moving grass and brush fire that began near Highway 180 and Ross Watson Road has surged into a large blaze that officials estimate at roughly 50,000 acres with containment at about 5 percent.
- Initial local reports put the fire at 25–30 acres before it rapidly expanded, prompting closure of U.S. Highway 180 and reports that at least one structure was threatened.
- Local fire districts requested and deployed multiple alarms and Texas A&M Forest Service resources, including bulldozers and air support, and crews were observed dropping fire-retardant slurry.
- Authorities have ordered evacuations for parts of neighboring Jack County and opened an evacuation center in Jacksboro to shelter displaced residents.
- Hot temperatures, low humidity and widespread drought are expected to sustain dangerous fire behavior and complicate containment efforts, making updates on road reopenings and structure threats key near-term developments.