3/20 Mid-day update
A fast-moving wildfire in San Jacinto County has burned 2,000 acres and is only 10% contained, prompting widespread evacuations. The Texas A&M Forest Service and multiple fire departments are battling the fire, which has now been named the "Pauline Road Fire."
Warm weather is making it more difficult to contain the fire, with Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough posting on Facebook: "“Please say a prayer for all those affected by this fire and for the men and women first responders working to keep us safe."
The fire has now spread into Montgomery County, threatening about 300 homes and forcing evacuations of nearly 900 residences. Aerial crews, including helicopters and planes, have been assisting in the battle, but air support was halted overnight and will resume this morning.
3/20 AM update
A fast-moving wildfire in San Jacinto County has burned 2,000 acres and is only 10% contained, prompting widespread evacuations. The Texas A&M Forest Service and multiple fire departments are battling the fire, which has now been named the "Pauline Road Fire."
The fire has now spread into Montgomery County, threatening about 300 homes and forcing evacuations of nearly 900 residences. Aerial crews, including helicopters and planes, have been assisting in the battle, but air support was halted overnight and will resume this morning.
Evacuations have been ordered for Peach Creek Estates, Lee Turner Road, Big Buck Drive, and several other streets. Additional mandatory evacuations were issued around midnight for areas including Holstein Drive, Cross Cut, and Grant Lake Circle. Shelters have been set up at the San Jacinto County Shelter in Coldspring and the East Montgomery County Community Center in Splendora. Caney Creek Cowboy Church in Conroe is also accepting displaced livestock.
Despite the rapid spread, no injuries or lost homes have been reported.
A large, uncontrolled wildfire in San Jacinto and Montgomery Counties has now prompted mandatory evacuations in Montgomery County.
Voluntary evacuations are for anyone in the area of Big Buck Lane in the Peach Creek subdivision. Mandatory evacuations are in place for anyone near Lee Turner Road, west of Fostoria Road. Residents south and west of Peach Creek subdivision are advised to stay on high alert, as the fire is expected to spread further.
Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams says they are in for an all-night battle.
"High, gusty winds are expected through the night with low humidity...normally, you would expect a fire to die down at night, but this will continue to grow," he says.
The fire, dubbed the "Paulina Road Fire" has burned over 2,000-acres, and is only 10-percent contained as of 11:30 pm local time Wednesday night.
A shelter for evacuees has also been set up at 255 Live Oak Drive in Coldspring. Officials are also assisting with animal shelters for those with livestock.