The fire started Saturday in Hardin County. Officials said it was at 800 acres Sunday morning, but it grew to 3,000 acres by Sunday afternoon.
The Texas Forest Service classifies a "large" fire in east Texas as 10 acres so this is "an exceptionally large fire," officials said. About 30 or 40 homes are threatened by the flames.
It is burning in northern Hardin and southern Tyler Counties with the active part of the fire burning in Tyler.
Texas Forest Service officials said the fire is jumping roads, burning hot and spotting 15 yards ahead.
Residents are being evacuated from Gore Store Rd., south to F.M. 420/McNeely Rd. and west to U.S. 69.
No homes have damaged and no injuries have been reported as a result of this fire.
Firefighters have two Texas Forest Service helicopters, two National Guard blackhawks, one air attack unit, four tractor plow units and three bulldozers working to help them control the blaze.
