08/28/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VAN ZANDT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PROVIDES UPDATE ON STATE HIGHWAY 64 WILDFIRE
CANTON, TEXAS — August 28, 2026 — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is providing the following update regarding the wildfire that began Thursday in the 3400 block of State Highway 64, outside the City of Wills Point in Van Zandt County.
The Wills Point Fire Department arrived on scene and encountered a large grass and brush fire spreading rapidly through heavy fuel conditions. Multiple fires were also reported along State Highway 64.
Due to the size and rapid spread of the fire, the Wills Point Fire Department immediately requested mutual aid. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the response and dispatched additional fire departments and emergency resources from across Van Zandt County, Kaufman County, and the surrounding region to assist with fire suppression efforts.
Overnight, additional assistance was provided by the Winnsboro, Yantis, Quitman, and Prairieville Fire Departments from Wood County, as well as the North 19 Volunteer Fire Department from Henderson County. These departments assisted with fire suppression operations throughout the night, allowing the fire departments that responded to the initial call to be released from the scene.
One firefighter sustained a heat-related injury overnight and was transported to a local hospital in Canton. The firefighter is currently in stable condition.
A total of five firefighters received medical treatment from Christus Mother Frances EMS and were transported to a local hospital during the incident. All five firefighters have either been released or are expected to be released from the hospital.
Residents who were previously asked to evacuate their homes have been notified that they may return to their residences.
As of 7:15 a.m. Friday, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported that approximately 659 acres had burned and the fire was 100 percent contained.
As of approximately 9:00 a.m., six engines and one dozer remained on scene to conduct additional mop-up operations and strengthen the fire’s containment lines.
At this time, investigators have not determined an affirmative cause of the fire. However, officials believe the fire originated along the roadside of State Highway 64.
The Texas A&M Forest Service will be sending an investigator to assist the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office in determining the cause and origin of the fire.
An Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) deployment team has also been assigned to support ongoing operations. The deployment includes a unit from the Longview Fire Department equipped with quick-response vehicles and an ambulance.
The medical task force is dedicated to supporting the ongoing operations of the Texas A&M Forest Service and will remain on scene until the Texas A&M Forest Service completes its operations and clears the scene.
The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office would like to express its sincere appreciation to all of the local fire departments within Van Zandt County, as well as the fire departments and emergency agencies from outside the county that provided assistance during this incident.
We especially recognize the assistance provided by the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Van Zandt County Emergency Management, along with the numerous fire departments and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to protect our communities.
We also extend our gratitude to the citizens and businesses of Van Zandt County for their continued support of our fire departments and emergency services, as well as for the generous donations and assistance provided throughout this incident.
The coordinated response of our first responders, neighboring agencies, state partners, and the community has been instrumental in protecting lives, property, and our county.
The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
