PALO PINTO, Texas - The devastating Ross Fire that started in Palo Pinto County was likely caused by a driver on Highway 180.
Ross Fire Cause
What we know:
The Texas A&M Forest Service announced on Wednesday that its investigators who have been working with local law enforcement agencies believe a human started the blaze.
"The cause of the fire was human-caused. The fire originated from equipment use associated with a tire blowout," the agency’s public information office said in a statement.
The fire started on August 24 along Highway 180 in Palo Pinto County.
Forest service officials didn’t elaborate on what equipment was being used or whether anyone will face charges for the blaze.
Grass fires burn along highways in Dallas and Denton counties
Multiple grass fires were sparked along Highway 114 in Justin and Highway 161 in Grand Prairie on Wednesday afternoon.
Ross Fire Latest
What's new:
Firefighters are making slow progress on the second-largest wildfire in North Texas history.
It has now consumed more than 90,000 acres and is about 38% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
At least 157 structures, including 18 homes, were destroyed, although firefighters managed to save more than 450.
A preliminary disaster assessment also shows about 100 head of cattle have been lost.
Dig deeper:
The largest-ever wildfire in North Texas was the Possum Kingdom Complex Fire that burned 126,734 acres in 2011, according to the National Weather Service.
How You Can Help
There are multiple organizations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex collecting donations to help the affected families, displaced pets and livestock, and with other needs.
How to help the North Texas wildfire victims and firefighters
North Texas agencies, animal shelters, and school districts are collecting donations to support the firefighters and families impacted by the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack counties.
The Source: The information in this story comes the Texas A&M Forest Service.