Texas' Ross fire grows to consume 50K acres, destroying homes and ranches

A Texas wildfire has grown to encompass more than 50,000 acres as of Tuesday night, according to fire officials in Palo Pinto County, and the fire is only 8% contained.

The Ross Fire started Monday night and has since destroyed homes and structures on ranches, according to CBS News, including a well-known kids' Scout camp at Worth Ranch. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

"We are very much grieving," Wendy Shaw, the CEO of the Longhorn Council Scouting America, told the outlet. "And it's going to be hard. Worth Ranch has been part of Scouting ... for 97 years. It is a treasure, and we are grieving, you know."

Camp officials said they don't know the full extent of damage to the property, but confirmed multiple structures were destroyed in the blaze.

Evacuation orders are in effect for residents in Jack County, Texas, and have been encouraged for residents in Palo Pinto.

"Residents are strongly encouraged to leave the area now, particularly those who may need additional time or assistance evacuating," the Palo Pinto County Sheriff said Monday night. 

Palo Pinto is located approximately 60 miles west of Fort Worth, according to ABC News. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.