A fast-moving wildfire has burned across hundreds of acres near Wills Point and Myrtle Springs, Texas, sending heavy smoke across the area, forcing a closure along State Highway 64 and bringing firefighters from several departments into an intense battle to slow the flames.
The Corky Fire, burning in Van Zandt County, has grown to approximately 300 acres and was reported 10% contained in the latest information available. The fire’s rapid expansion has become a concern for nearby residents as crews continue working in extremely hot conditions.
Corky Fire Expands Rapidly Near Wills Point
The wildfire was considerably smaller when firefighters first began responding.
Early estimates placed the Corky Fire at approximately 75 acres with no containment. It later increased to around 150 acres and 5% containment before the latest reported estimate put the fire at 300 acres.
Despite that growth, firefighters have begun establishing some containment around the blaze, with the latest figure reaching 10%.
The changing acreage demonstrates how quickly a grass fire can expand when weather and vegetation conditions allow flames to move across open land.
Where Is the Corky Fire Burning?
The fire is affecting an area near VZCR 3406 and State Highway 64 between the Wills Point and Myrtle Springs communities.
Information attributed to the Myrtle Springs Volunteer Fire Department indicated that the flames were moving west toward VZCR 3416.
Heavy smoke has also affected nearby county roads, creating another concern for residents and motorists traveling through the area.
People who do not need to be near the fire are being encouraged to stay away so firefighters and emergency vehicles have room to operate.
State Highway 64 Closed as Firefighters Work
The wildfire has also disrupted travel through Van Zandt County.
State Highway 64 was closed near Wills Point as emergency personnel continued working around the fire.
Motorists traveling toward Myrtle Springs or Canton were advised to find another route rather than attempting to travel through the affected section of the highway.
The available information did not indicate a threat to Terrell at the time of the latest update.
Road conditions can change quickly during an active wildfire, particularly when flames or thick smoke approach a highway. Drivers should therefore follow closures and directions from emergency personnel rather than attempting to navigate around barricades.
Multiple Fire Departments Join Corky Fire Response
Containing the Corky Fire has required assistance from several agencies.
Crews reported to be involved include the Myrtle Springs Fire Department, Wills Point Fire Department, Elmo Fire Department, Terrell Fire Department and Texas A&M Forest Service.
Firefighters are working under difficult conditions as high temperatures add another challenge to an already demanding operation.
Their immediate task is to prevent additional spread while strengthening containment around areas where the fire has already burned.
Were Homes Destroyed in the Wills Point Fire?
Reports about possible property losses have begun circulating as the fire continues, but some of those details remain unconfirmed.
One resident in the affected area said their horses were safe and thanked firefighters and neighbors who had offered assistance.
The same resident reported hearing that six homes along their road had burned, but made clear that the information had not been officially confirmed.
Until emergency authorities complete assessments, the number of homes or other structures damaged by the Corky Fire should therefore not be treated as established.
No confirmed casualty information was included in the material available.
Firefighters Make Early Progress on Containment
Although the increase to 300 acres shows the seriousness of the wildfire, the movement from 0% containment to a reported 10% indicates that crews have started making progress around portions of the fire.
Containment does not mean the same thing as extinguishment.
A fire that is 10% contained can remain active across most of its perimeter, and changing winds or other conditions can still affect its behavior.
Firefighters may therefore remain in the area for an extended period as they build and reinforce containment lines and watch for areas where flames could escape.
Wills Point and Myrtle Springs Residents Remain Alert
For people living close to the fire, conditions can change much faster than acreage and containment updates are released.
Residents should be prepared to follow instructions from local emergency personnel if evacuation warnings or orders become necessary.
Anyone with livestock may also need additional time to relocate animals if conditions deteriorate.
Heavy smoke can reduce visibility on rural roads, making unnecessary travel around the affected area particularly risky.
Latest Corky Fire Update
Based on the latest information provided, the Corky Fire near Wills Point is approximately 300 acres and 10% contained, with firefighting operations continuing in Van Zandt County.
State Highway 64 has been affected by the emergency response, while crews continue concentrating on slowing the fire and preventing further spread toward surrounding properties.
Reports concerning destroyed homes have not yet been officially confirmed, and the full extent of any property damage remains unclear.
For residents around Wills Point, Myrtle Springs and surrounding portions of Van Zandt County, the situation remains active. Conditions, road closures, acreage and containment figures could change as firefighters continue working.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information available at the time of publication concerning the Corky Fire in Van Zandt County, Texas. Wildfire acreage, containment levels, road closures and evacuation conditions can change rapidly. The latest information provided placed the fire at approximately 300 acres and 10% containment. Reports that six homes may have burned were attributed to a resident and had not been officially confirmed, so they should not be treated as established property-loss figures unless verified by emergency authorities.