Palo Pinto County grass fire hits 10,000 acres

Firefighters in Palo Pinto County are battling a large grass fire that shut down part of Highway 180.Ross FireThe so-called Ross Fire is burning near Hwy. 180 and Ross Watson Road, about 60 miles west of Fort Worth.Flames have consumed up to 10,000 acres, consisting of one main fire and two smaller fires burning nearby. The fire is 5% contained, according to Palo Pinto County emergency officials.The fire is located in a rural area, but firefighters were working offensively to protect at least one structure that is being threatened.Planes were seen dropping a fire-retardant slurry mix to try and contain the blaze. Sky 4 also caught planes scooping up water to drop onto the fire.The Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office says there are no mandatory evacuation orders in place, but nearby residents are encouraged to leave the area.Hwy. 180 is reportedly shut down in that area because of the fire. People are encouraged to avoid the area.FOX 4's Dan Henry notes that the Ross Fire is so intense,