East Texas Wildfires Escalate: Evacuations & Destruction

**East Texas Wildfire Crisis Deepens as Blazes Force Widespread Evacuations**

**TYLER, Texas – January 3, 2026** – East Texas is battling a rapidly escalating wildfire crisis described by officials as "dire" and "unprecedented," with massive blazes continuing to spread across the region, leading to widespread evacuations and significant property damage.

The **Pine Ridge Fire** in Smith County has exploded to cover an estimated 85,000 acres, while the **Cedar Creek Blaze** in Cherokee County now spans 50,000 acres, causing extensive disruption.

Mandatory evacuations are currently in effect for residents in **Rusk**, **Jacksonville**, and **Palestine**. Additionally, communities in the southern suburbs of **Tyler** are under a voluntary evacuation advisory as fire lines advance.

Fire crews are working around the clock in extremely challenging conditions. The Texas A&M Forest Service is spearheading the efforts, supported by numerous local volunteer fire departments and crucial assistance from agencies in Louisiana and Oklahoma. Responders face relentless winds gusting between 20-30 mph and critically low humidity levels hovering around 15%. The region has not seen significant rainfall in weeks, and no substantial precipitation is forecast for the next seven days, exacerbating the severe drought conditions.

The devastating impact of the fires is already evident, with at least 50 homes completely destroyed near **Bullard**. Officials anticipate this number will rise as damage assessments continue. The situation remains extremely volatile as firefighters work to contain the widespread infernos.