A rapidly spreading wildfire in rural Texas has forced local residents to evacuate, with authorities issuing orders across parts of the state on Tuesday. The Ross Fire, which started on Monday afternoon, has burned through more than 78 square miles of lightly populated land across two counties in north-central Texas, approximately 60 miles west of Fort Worth.
The fire, which remained only slightly contained, has destroyed at least five structures in the area, according to officials in Palo Pinto County. Ideal fire conditions have allowed the flames to spread quickly, with Amy Meyer, a spokesperson for the Palo Pinto County emergency services district, stating that the region is extremely dry. Local authorities have established evacuation centers, while ranchers and a livestock commission have offered barns to temporarily house animals requiring evacuation.
The Texas blaze is part of a larger trend of widespread fire activity across the South and western U.S., where extremely dry conditions persist. A dozen new large fires were reported on Sunday alone, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Across the nation, more than 50,000 wildfires have been logged so far this year, marking the highest number recorded for the same period over the past 10 years.
Meanwhile, firefighters in Nevada have made progress slowing a fire that forced thousands to evacuate in Reno over the weekend. The Hawk Fire, which has destroyed more than 30 homes across approximately 23 square miles, is now 27% contained. The number of Reno-area residents subject to evacuation orders and warnings has decreased to around 63,000, down from an initial figure of more than 90,000 people.
The Hawk Fire, which started on Saturday, is believed to have been set either accidentally or intentionally, according to Reno fire officials. At least seven people, including three first responders and four civilians, have suffered injuries in the blaze.
