One home lost in San Jacinto County wildfire, 45% contained

SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters are battling an estimated 2,360-acre wildfire near the Montgomery County line, where high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions have fueled the spread of the Pauline Road Fire. One possibly occupied home was lost in San Jacinto County along with two other small structures.

As of Thursday afternoon, Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire is 45% contained, with air attack resources now in operation over the fire. Six strike teams, one task force, and dozer crews remain on-site, working to strengthen containment lines.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough issued a local state of disaster, activating additional emergency resources for fire response and recovery. San Jacinto County later issued a similar declaration.

“Residents in the area, please continue to be vigilant,” Keough said Thursday. “More information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Keough hoped the fire would be contained within three days. Keough gave fire crews a lot of credit for controlling the fire overnight.

Officials continue to urge residents under evacuation orders to stay away from affected areas, warning that Red Flag Warning conditions Thursday afternoon could intensify the fire.

• Fire Size: 2,360 acres as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday
• Containment: 45%
• Officials said the fire started as a prescribed burn 
• Red Flag Warning remains in effect due to strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures
• One home was lost in San Jacinto County along with two other small structures
• Minimal smoke was seen along the head of the fire
• Crews are currently working to secure the left flank of the fire

Keough credited firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency crews for their work in keeping homes and livestock safe.

“We owe these men and women a huge debt of gratitude,” Keough said. “They worked tirelessly to assist residents evacuate, protect their homes, and wrangle cattle and horses to safety.”

Emergency officials also warned residents should avoid using drones, as they can disrupt air firefighting operations.

Check the latest on the fire on the Texas A&M Forest Service incident map.

A homeowner who lives on Lee Turner Road shared video with KHOU 11 showing how close flames came to his home. Anthony Maserang’s home surveillance video shows emergency crews close to the fire, working to stop its progression.

All evacuation orders were lifted at about 6 p.m. Thursday.

• Cleveland: Calvary Baptist Church in Cleveland at 816 Blair Ave. | Map
• Splendora: East Montgomery County Community Development Center at 16401 1st Street | Map
• Coldspring: San Jacinto County Shelter at 255 Live Oak Street | Map

Livestock was evacuated from areas impacted by the fire. Residents were told that if they needed a safe place for animals, they could take them to Caney Creek Cowboy Church. It’s at 17703 Nonesuch Road in Conroe.

Cleveland ISD posted a message late Wednesday night saying that due to the ongoing Pauline Road fires and expected conditions, the district will be closed on Thursday, March 20.

Firefighting Resources on the scene:

• 6 strike teams & 1 task force
• Air tankers now assisting containment efforts
• Dozers working alongside firefighters to expand fire lines

Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Jason Millsaps said firefighters are using a combination of aerial water drops and dozer-built fire lines to contain the blaze.

“Air operations will be dropping water. They’ll be taking water from overhead and dropping water,” Millsaps said. “The other way to fight fire in this case is to get a line around it. So that’s what the dozers are for.”

Officials expect crews to remain on the scene for an extended period.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect Thursday, as gusty winds, low humidity, and rising temperatures create ideal conditions for fire growth.

Weather factors at play:

• Winds: Expected to increase throughout the day
• Humidity: Critically low, making fire suppression more difficult
• Temperatures: Rising, adding to fire intensity

The City of Cleveland asked anyone with property damage to report it with the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool.

Officials announced Thursday afternoon the fire started as a prescribed burn. The San Jacinto County Fire Marshal is investigating. The fire may have been burning for several hours before it was reported due to its remote location.

A homeowner was conducting a prescribed burn in the area. They had a plan that was approved by the forest service before starting the burn.

• DO NOT return to evacuation areas until cleared by officials
• DO NOT fly drones in the fire zone — this will ground aerial firefighting efforts
• AVOID the area to allow emergency crews to work efficiently
• DO NOT bring donations for first responders at this time — supplies are sufficient

“We love everyone’s generosity, but at this time, we have everything we need,” Keough said. “Additional donations will place an undue burden on our team collecting and discarding items.”