A wildfire that spread rapidly along State Highway 64 south of Wills Point, east of Dallas, has burned approximately 659 acres but is now 100% contained, according to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
The blaze, known as the Corky fire, began Thursday in the 3400 block of State Highway 64 amid heavy grass and brush fuels. The Wills Point Fire Department arrived to find the blaze spreading quickly, with multiple fires also reported along the highway.
The size and rapid spread of the fire prompted an extensive mutual-aid response involving fire departments and emergency agencies from across Van Zandt County, Kaufman County, and surrounding areas.
Firefighters Treated for Injuries
Five firefighters received medical treatment during the incident and were transported to a local hospital by Christus Mother Frances EMS.
The Sheriff’s Office said all five have either been released or are expected to be released. One firefighter suffered a heat-related injury overnight and remained in stable condition at a local Canton hospital as of Friday morning.
Additional crews from Wood County and Henderson County assisted with firefighting operations overnight, including departments from Winnsboro, Yantis, Quitman and Prairieville, along with the North 19 Volunteer Fire Department.
Their assistance allowed some departments that responded to the initial call to leave the scene.
Residents Allowed To Return
Residents who had previously been asked to evacuate were notified that they could return to their homes.
As of 7:15 a.m. Friday, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported that approximately 659 acres had burned and the wildfire was fully contained.
Around 9 a.m., six fire engines and one dozer remained at the scene for mop-up operations and to reinforce containment lines.
An Emergency Medical Task Force deployment team was also assigned to the operation. The team includes a unit from the Longview Fire Department equipped with quick-response vehicles and an ambulance.
The medical task force will remain in place while the Texas A&M Forest Service continues its work.
Cause of Fire Remains Under Investigation
Investigators have not determined a confirmed cause of the wildfire.
Officials believe the fire originated along the roadside of State Highway 64. The Texas A&M Forest Service is sending an investigator to assist the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office with determining the fire’s origin and cause.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Officials Thank Responders and Community
The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office credited the coordinated response of local departments, neighboring agencies and state partners with helping protect residents and property.
The response included assistance from the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Van Zandt County Emergency Management and numerous fire departments and emergency personnel.
The Sheriff’s Office also thanked Van Zandt County residents and businesses for supporting emergency services and providing donations and other assistance during the incident.
Officials said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, the Ross fire in Palo Pinto County, located west of Fort Worth, continues to burn, with more than 85,000 acres scorched. The most recent update from the Texas A&M Forest Service showed that the fire was 26% contained as of Friday morning.
Provided by Dallas Express
