Ross Fire Updates
Official Updates from Longhorn Council, Scouting America
Longhorn Council, Scouting America, is providing this webpage as the official source for statements and verified updates regarding the Ross Fire and its impact on Worth Ranch. As information becomes available and is verified, updates will be posted here.
You can also receive updates by following Longhorn Council on social media:
Update #4
August 25, 2026 | 3:10 PM
New Information Regarding Worth Ranch
As aerial images from Fox 4 News of Worth Ranch Scout Camp emerge, many members of the Scouting community are seeing firsthand the devastating impact of the Ross Fire.
While a comprehensive on-site assessment has not yet been completed, the imagery appears to confirm that a significant number of camp structures have sustained catastrophic damage. However, the full extent of the damage cannot be determined until trained assessment teams are able to safely enter the property and conduct a thorough evaluation.
We recognize that viewing these images is difficult and emotional for many. Worth Ranch has been a place of adventure, growth, friendship, and tradition for generations of Scouts and Scouters. Like so many members of our Scouting family, we are grieving alongside those who have cherished memories tied to this special place.
For generations, Worth Ranch has been more than a camp. It has been a place where Scouts developed confidence, learned leadership, built lifelong friendships, and experienced adventures that shaped their lives. Thousands of Scouts, volunteers, alumni, staff members, and families have memories tied to Worth Ranch, and we recognize the deep sense of loss and concern that many are feeling right now. We share those feelings.
Most importantly, we continue to be grateful that no Scouts, campers, guests, or staff were injured as a result of the fire. Our thoughts remain with the families, ranchers, businesses, first responders, and communities throughout Palo Pinto and surrounding counties who have been directly impacted by this disaster.
A Scout is Helpful….
Stay Away from the Property
Due to the damage to many structures and the unknown condition of roads, utilities, and other infrastructure, it is critical that no one attempts to visit, enter, or access Worth Ranch Scout Camp.
The property remains unsafe. Buildings may be unstable, hazardous materials may be present, and emergency personnel may still require access to the area. We ask everyone to respect these safety concerns and remain off the property until assessments have been completed and officials determine it is safe to return.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through this process.
Worth Ranch Recovery Fund
Many members of the Scouting community and the public have reached out asking how they can help.
Those who wish to support future recovery and rebuilding efforts may contribute to the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund:
Donate to the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund
We are humbled by the outpouring of support and grateful for the many expressions of concern, encouragement, and generosity we have received.
Share Your Worth Ranch Stories
While the future assessment and recovery process lies ahead, the legacy of Worth Ranch is already written in the lives of those who have experienced it.
We encourage current and former Scouts, Scouters, camp staff, alumni, and friends of Worth Ranch to share their favorite memories, photos, and stories on the Worth Ranch Facebook Group. In the days ahead, those stories can serve as a powerful reminder that while buildings are important, the true heart of Worth Ranch has always been the people whose lives have been shaped there.
Supporting First Responders & Displaced Families
Many members of our Scouting community have asked how they can help those impacted by the Ross Fire right now. In addition to supporting the Worth Ranch Recovery Fund, Longhorn Council will serve as a collection point for supplies that will be delivered directly to first responders, fire crews, and displaced families later this week.
As Scouts, service is at the heart of what we do. This is an opportunity for our community to support those working tirelessly on the front lines and families facing difficult circumstances.
We are currently collecting the following items:
- Bottled Water
- Gatorade and Sports Drinks
- Liquid IV or other hydration packets
- Pickles and pickle juice
- Meat sticks and high-protein snacks
- Granola bars
- Pet food
Donations may be dropped off at the Longhorn Council Service Center (850 Cannon Drive, Hurst) during normal business hours.
We are grateful for the many individuals, families, units, and community partners who have already asked how they can help. While Worth Ranch has been impacted by this disaster, our focus also remains on supporting the communities, families, and first responders affected by the Ross Fire.
Together, we can live out the Scout Oath and Scout Law by helping those in need during this challenging time.
Together, we can live out the Scout Oath and Scout Law by helping those in need during this challenging time.
Update #3
August 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM
The Longhorn Council is closely monitoring the Ross Fire and its impact on the Worth Ranch Scout Camp property.
First and foremost, we are grateful to report that there were no Scouts, campers, or guests at camp when the fire entered the area. The Camp Ranger and all personnel were safely evacuated.
Our thoughts today are with the first responders who continue working tirelessly to protect lives and property, as well as the families and communities across Palo Pinto County who have been impacted by this wildfire.
While assessments are ongoing, we can confirm that multiple structures at Worth Ranch Scout Camp have sustained catastrophic damage. The full extent of the damage has not yet been determined, and conditions remain active.
We understand the concern and deep emotional connection that generations of Scouts, volunteers, alumni, and supporters have with Worth Ranch. We share those concerns and are committed to providing information as it becomes available.
For safety reasons, please do not travel to or visit Worth Ranch Scout Camp. This includes the use of personal drones, as they can stall emergency response. Emergency personnel and fire crews need unobstructed access to the area as they continue response and recovery operations.
At this time, our priority is supporting first responders, affected families, and the broader communities responding to this emergency.
To ensure accurate and reliable information, we ask everyone to rely only on official Longhorn Council communications. Updates will be shared through this webpage and social media channels. Our goal is to provide updates twice daily as circumstances warrant.
We ask the Scouting community to keep the firefighters, emergency personnel, affected families, and all those impacted by the Ross Fire in their thoughts.
Additional updates will be provided as information is confirmed.
Update #2
August 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM
We know how deeply you care about Worth Ranch and how difficult it is to watch the events unfolding due to the Ross Fire. We also understand the desire to help, check on the property, or see conditions firsthand.
At this time, the area surrounding Worth Ranch is closed to all except essential emergency services personnel and authorized officials. Access restrictions are in place to protect public safety and ensure firefighters and emergency responders can carry out their work without interference.
We respectfully ask all volunteers, Scouting families, alumni, friends, and supporters of Worth Ranch to honor these restrictions and avoid traveling to the ranch or the surrounding area until authorities determine it is safe to do so.
The best way to support those working on the front lines is to allow them the space and resources they need to respond effectively. We are grateful for your concern, your prayers, and your unwavering support of Worth Ranch during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates as verified information becomes available.
Update #1
August 24, 2026 | 7:30 PM
The Ross Fire is currently active in the area surrounding Worth Ranch Scout Camp, and emergency personnel are actively monitoring and responding to the situation.
For the safety of our Scouting families, volunteers, staff, and the public, please do not travel to or enter Worth Ranch until further notice. Fire crews and emergency responders need clear access to the area, and conditions can change rapidly.
We understand there is a great deal of concern and interest regarding the camp. To help prevent the spread of misinformation, we encourage everyone to rely only on official Longhorn Council communication channels for accurate and timely updates.
Official updates will be shared through:
- Longhorn Council social media pages
- Official communications from Longhorn Council leadership
Please avoid sharing unverified reports, photos, or speculation regarding conditions at camp.
Our thoughts are with the firefighters, emergency personnel, and all those impacted by this wildfire. We are grateful for their dedication and service as they work to protect lives and property.
Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and support.





