Pauline Road fire Thursday updates: Evacuations lifted as conditions improve; over 2,300 acres burned
SAN JACINTO COUNTY, TX - The Pauline Road wildfire that was reported in the Cleveland area on Wednesday and has grown to more than 2,300 acres as of Thursday afternoon.
Officials now say fire conditions have improved, allowing evacuated residents to return home.
Pauline Road wildfire: Evacuations lifted as fire conditions improve
The fire has burned up to 2,360 acres in the Cleveland, Texas area, affecting San Jacinto County and Montgomery County. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle checks in with a 6 p.m. Thursday update, and meteorologist Remeisha Shade explains weather conditions.
The fire was initially reported on FM 1725 and Alsobrooks Road in the Cleveland area, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.
The fire originally started as a prescribed burn, according to Josh Mizrany of the Texas A&M Forest Service. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough says the prescribed burn was authorized, but officials are reviewing the circumstances and communication surrounding it.
How large is the San Jacinto County fire?
At about 7 p.m., the Texas A&M Forest Incident website reported 2,360 acres that were burned.
It is 45% contained at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY: Pauline Road Fire: More than 2,000 acres burned in San Jacinto County, 20% containment
Battling the fire
Crews from both Montgomery and San Jacinto County fire crews, along with other local, state, and federal crews, have been at the scene.
Additional resources are coming to provide aid on Thursday, including aircraft.
Director of Emergency Management Jason Millsaps says 120 personnel or more are helping to battle the fire.
On Thursday afternoon, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said winds have died down, which will help containment efforts. He also commended first responders for their "remarkable" overnight efforts and for putting themselves in harm's way to protect residents
Evacuations lifted
What we know:
Shortly before 6 p.m., officials lifted evacuations for residents. They say fire conditions have improved and the fire itself is not near any homes.
At 5:30 a.m., Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough confirmed mandatory evacuations issued in both Montgomery and San Jacinto Counties remain in place.
Judge Keough said about 900 homes were evacuated. Officials at the scene said two "outbuildings" were damaged in the fire.
Pauline Road fire: First responder's scramble to evacuate her animals
Evacuated residents are allowed to return home as conditions improve regarding the San Jacinto County fire. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle talked to a Cy-Fair EMT who had to evacuate her horses.
Cleveland ISD: Classes resume Friday
Cleveland ISD shared on Facebook that normal district operations will resume on Friday. The district will send updates if conditions change.
Home burned by wildfire
What they're saying:
One home has burned due to the fire, according to officials. Mizrany says the home was not near the burn's starting point.
Pauline Road wildfire: FOX 26 interview with Texas A&M Forest Service
FOX 26 Houston spoke with Regional Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator Matthew Ford regarding the wildfire affecting San Jacinto and Montgomery counties.
San Jacinto County: Thursday afternoon update on Pauline Road fire
Montgomery County officials give a 4 p.m. update on the Pauline Road fire burning in northeast Harris County. The fire has reached over 2,400 acres.
Impacts on Houston-area
Houston Fire Department Chief Sam Pena reports significant smoke could impact Liberty and Northeast Harris Counties. Those who will be outdoors are suggested to wear a N95 mask and stay hydrated.
You should avoid all outdoor burning with conditions worsening due to low humidity and shifting winds.
The Source: Information was gathered from Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office, American Red Cross, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, and other local officials.