Palo Pinto County ESD1

09/04/2026

🖤 A COMMUNITY INVITATION — HELP US BRING THEM HOME

Today, Friday, Sept. 4, the family of Sacred Cross EMS First Responder Herstle Renfroe will make their final journey home to Mineral Wells.

An es**rt carrying Herstle’s wife, Alexis, and their boys, Alekzander and Cody, is expected to arrive in Mineral Wells at approximately 1:45–1:55 p.m.

We invite our community to help us welcome them home.

Those who would like to show their love and support for Herstle and honor Alexis, Alekzander and Cody are encouraged to safely line U.S. Highway 180 through Mineral Wells ahead of the procession.

Bring an American flag. Stand quietly with your hand over your heart. Say a prayer. Or simply be there.

ES**RT ROUTE:
The procession will travel from Fort Worth through Aledo, Hudson Oaks and Weatherford, then take Ric Williamson Memorial Highway to westbound U.S. 180, traveling through Cool and into Mineral Wells before arriving at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home.

Please plan to be in place along U.S. 180 in Mineral Wells before 1:45 p.m. Times are approximate and may change based on traffic and the timing of the es**rt.

This community has surrounded Herstle with incredible love and support. Today, we have another opportunity to stand together for one of our own.

Let’s line the highway and bring Alexis, Alekzander and Cody home. 🖤

09/04/2026

The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County has become the largest summer wildfire and the 15th-largest wildfire recorded in Texas since detailed statewide wildfire records began in 2005.

Since igniting Aug. 24, the wildfire has burned 90,400 acres. Local, state and federal resources continue to work across the incident to strengthen containment lines, extinguish any remaining heat and protect communities in and around the affected area.

The scale of the response has included 490 personnel and 112 resources currently assigned to the fire. Throughout the response, 23 aircraft have supported firefighters on the ground, delivering more than 434,000 gallons of retardant and 2.5 million gallons of water.

Firefighters remain engaged on the Ross Fire as suppression operations continue.

09/04/2026

Office of the Governor Greg Abbott met with First Responders from the Ross Fire and held a press conference regarding the fire.

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Live Press Conference Feed with Governor Abbott from WFAA

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JAzKcRqhG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/03/2026

9/3/26 Operation Updates on the Ross Fire from Texas A&M Forest Service

09/03/2026

Great information from Texas A&M Forest Service

09/02/2026

Ross Fire Update
2pm 9/2/26
90,448 acres burned with 38% containment

09/02/2026

UPDATE: Fire is out and scene is cleared.

Units are heading to a grass fire 3 miles south of Hwy 180 and FM 919 at 1:45pm on 9/2/26