Texas wildfire jumps creeks and rivers as powerful winds drive rapid spread

The Ross Fire burns in Palo Pinto County, Texas. (Photo: AP) A fast-moving wildfire in north-central Texas has destroyed a family home and business property, burned buildings at a youth camp and forced evacuations across sparsely populated ranch country west of Fort Worth, while local ranchers opened barns for animals needing evacuation.The Ross Fire began Monday afternoon and spread across more than 78 square miles (200 sq km) in less than 24 hours, moving through lightly populated areas in two counties. Residents said the blaze crossed creeks and rivers as powerful winds pushed it through ranchland.Firefighters had contained only about 8% of the Ross Fire as of Tuesday evening after high temperatures, dry conditions and gusty winds helped drive its rapid spread, according to the news agency Associated Press.Ranchers open barns for livestockRanchers and a livestock commission made barns available to temporarily hold animals needing evacuation. Emergency centres were opened for residents, while some schools cancelled classes.The blaze also threatened ranch properties around Palo Pinto, where aircraft joined crews on the ground in efforts to protect structures."We've thrown everythi...