San Jacinto County wildfire now 65% contained
Firefighters are battling the Pauline Road Fire, which spans 2,375 acres and is 65% contained.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas — Firefighters are battling an estimated 2,375-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 Friday morning, Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire is 65% 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.
Latest on the fire’s spread & containment efforts
- Fire Size: 2,375 acres as of 11:45 a.m. Friday
- Containment: 65%
- Officials said the fire started as a prescribed burn
- 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.
New video
A homeowner who lives on Lee Turner Road shared a 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.
Evacuations & shelter locations
All evacuation orders were lifted at about 6 p.m. Thursday.
Emergency shelters
Livestock evacuated
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 closed
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.
Aerial & ground firefighting efforts
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.
Weather concerns
A Red Flag Warning for the region expired Thursday night.
Weather factors at play:
- Winds: Dying down through the night
- Humidity: Critically low, making fire suppression more difficult
Reporting damage
The City of Cleveland asked anyone with property damage to report it with the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool.
How the fire started & investigation updates
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.