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FEMA Approves Fire Grant for Texas Ross Fire

8/27/2026

Summary

Abbott Secures Fire Grant

Governor Greg Abbott announced FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Ross Fire.
The Ross Fire has burned about 80,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties and is 12% contained.
Around 630 homes were evacuated to Twin Lakes Recreation Center in Jacksboro.
Smoke raised ozone AQI to 136, prompting health alerts, a flight restriction, and extra state resources.

Summary

Wildfires Surge

Nationwide wildfires have burned over 50,000 this year, the highest count in a decade.
Texas fire officials imposed burn bans in 197 of 254 counties because of the Ross Fire.
Washington is battling 15 uncontained fires that together have consumed about 800,000 acres.
The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County has burned more than 142,000 acres.
Spokane’s Complex Fire caused $1 billion in damage and razed over 800 homes.

History

Historical Context

In 1988, the Yellowstone National Park fires scorched 793,880 acres, prompting President Ronald Reagan to declare a federal disaster nationwide. The U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service together deployed 2,000 firefighters, costing roughly $300 million in suppression expenses overall total. Today, Governor Greg Abbott secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Ross Fire as Texas and Washington impose burn bans across 197 counties. The 1988 blaze spurred the 1992 National Fire Plan, establishing interagency coordination that now guides multi-state wildfire response and funding.

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Abbott Secures Fire Grant

Governor Greg Abbott announced FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Ross Fire.
The Ross Fire has burned about 80,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties and is 12% contained.
Around 630 homes were evacuated to Twin Lakes Recreation Center in Jacksboro.
Smoke raised ozone AQI to 136, prompting health alerts, a flight restriction, and extra state resources.

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