Southwest Florida firefighters deployed to Texas to fight over 85,000-acre wildfire

Members of North Port Fire Rescue and Marco Island Fire Rescue teams are currently deployed to Palo Pinto County, Texas, to assist in fighting the Ross Fire. The Ross Fire is a massive wildfire that has burned more than 85,000 acres and is currently 31% contained. The fire is the second-largest wildfire in Texas history. According to a Facebook post from North Port Fire, Lieutenant Ray Coyle and Engineer Matt Parrish from North Port Fire are working in the northern portion of the fire in Division W. Coyle and Parrish are providing exposure protection, helping defend homes, structures, and other areas being threatened by the advancing fire. According to a Facebook post from Marco Island Fire Rescue, two MIFR firefighters as well as Brush 50 were deployed to Palo Pinto, Texas, on Saturday. The deployment is expected to last at least two weeks. Fire crews on the ground are being supported by an aerial response, including Super Scooper aircraft and Black Hawk helicopters working the main body of the fire. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV