2,360-acre wildfire in Sam Houston National Forest traced back to prescribed burn, fire marshal says
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire is 45% contained, and two structures were burned by the fire.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A wildfire in the Sam Houston National Forest, which prompted evacuation orders in both Montgomery and San Jacinto counties, may have originated from a prescribed burn, according to county officials. That evacuation order has since been lifted.
The Pauline Road Fire has burned 2,360 acres so far. In an update Thursday afternoon, officials said it is 45% contained. SkyEye flew over the area, where no flames but minimal smoke were visible.
The Montgomery County fire marshal told ABC13 that investigators from the Texas A&M Forest Service traced the fire's origin back to a prescribed burn on private property in San Jacinto County.
During a Thursday afternoon press conference, the Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed the fire seems to have started as a result of that prescribed burn.
Officials are still looking into why that fire got out of control, adding that they have not ruled out the possibility of filing criminal charges.
Authorities said they are hopeful about putting the fire out soon so residents can return home.
PREVIOUS REPORT: 300 homes threatened amid active San Jacinto County fire, officials say
The fire started Wednesday, burning northwest of FM-1725 and Alsobrooks Road in San Jacinto County and near the Montgomery County line, forcing mandatory evacuations in some areas. Approximately 900 homes were in the evacuation zone.
Former Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña said significant smoke plume could affect Liberty and northeast Harris counties, asking those outdoors to consider wearing N95 masks and staying hydrated.
Officials said fire crews have been battling hot spots throughout the day and will be on the lookout overnight for hotspots with drones.
Fire officials said weather conditions, such as wind gusts and low humidity, were not helping with the fire.
"This thing is not going away for a while. These winds and these gusts are exacerbating the situation, and it continues to keep moving forward," Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said. "It could be disastrous. We are asking the people who were evacuated last night to stay still away from their homes."
According to Keough, fire crews made significant efforts to protect structures overnight and successfully protected the area in the path of the fire. However, in an update Thursday, officials said two structures burned, though it's unclear if anyone may have been inside or hurt.
Keough said several air tankers, dozers, and additional firefighters will be working hard to gain containment on the fire on Thursday. Approximately 120 personnel were on the scene fighting the fire, with more agencies expected to join.
Shelters in the area were open and ready to take displaced people in, but when things calmed down, the Red Cross announced shelters would close at 9 p.m. Thursday.
There are two livestock shelters open in Montgomery County. One is at Bull Sallas Park, and the other is at Caney Creek Cowboy Church and if necessary, the Montgomery Couty Fair Grounds will be available.
Cleveland ISD closed schools and canceled all afternoon activities on Thursday out of an abundance of caution.
