Ross Fire grows to 50,000 acres west of Fort Worth, evacuations ordered

The Ross Fire has burned 50,000 acres west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County, prompting mandatory and recommended evacuations as dry, windy conditions fuel multiple wildfires in the area.Wildfires rage across North TexasThe Ross Fire started Monday afternoon just west of the town of Palo Pinto and quickly increased to multiple alarms. Flames are burning grass, brush, and trees.As of the latest update from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire has grown to 50,000 acres and is 5% contained. High winds blowing steadily in a northeasterly direction, combined with dry conditions and extreme heat, continue to fuel the flames.During the day on Monday, firefighters fought the blaze from the air using planes to drop water and retardant after dipping into nearby reservoirs. On the ground, crews and fire trucks are conducting defensive operations on ranch land along FM 4, just a few miles north of Palo Pinto, working to protect structures, including at least one home and two barns. Firefigh