North Texas nonprofit leading disaster relief efforts for those affected by Ross Fire

The Ross Fire began Aug. 24 near U.S. Highway 180 in Palo Pinto County. When the forest service first responded, 80 acres had already burned. It grew to burn 50,000 acres by the following day, spreading to Jack County.

Currently, over 90,000 acres have been burned due to the Ross Fire. The disaster destroyed 167 structures, including 18 occupied structures, according to the forest service. First responders have saved 453 threatened structures as of Sept. 4.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Aug. 25 that the state had received a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA. The state is eligible through the grant for a 75% reimbursement from the federal government in costs made to suppress the wildfire.

United Way of Palo Pinto County began leading disaster relief efforts in the area after a tornado caused damage in Mineral Wells and surrounding areas in May. The Texas Division of Emergency Management then asked the nonprofit to spearhead relief work, Burkhall said.

The nonprofit ended up distributing over $300,000 to 65 families affected by the tornado. Burkhall is not yet sure how many families will need support for damages caused by the wildfire.