UPDATE, March 23

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports the fire was caused by a legal prescribed burn which lost control and is 85% contained as of 10 p.m. last night and. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal cleared evacuated residents to return to their homes in a Facebook post yesterday at 8:48 p.m. There are no reported injuries, but one home San Jacinto County home was destroyed.

UPDATE, March 20

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire is now contained up to 45% while crews work to strengthen containment lines, according to a post on social media, as well as the Texas A&M Forest Service.

ORIGINAL STORY

Some Caney Creek students are among those being relocated from their homes after a wildfire, dubbed the Pauline Road Fire, spread from San Jacinto to Montgomery County Wednesday afternoon burning about 2,000 acres with only 20% contained according to the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. 

“Be prepared to move on short notice, we can expect this fire to grow,” Fire Marshall Jimmy Williams said last night in an interview with KPRC2. “If you’re close to this area, be alert, and be prepared to move now.”

The Montgomery Office of Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation of about 12 roads in Montgomery County including about 900 homes between the two counties.

Close to Home

Sophomore Maddox Ihnen evacuated from North Duck Creek Road last night around 10:30 p.m. and is staying in a motel off of Lake Livingston. 

“I’m stressed, I’m tired, I’m worried about what’s gonna happen my house and how that’s gonna affect us,” Ihnen said. “We went to go check on it this morning. It hasn’t gotten to it yet, but we’re worried that it might soon. (I hope first responders will) stop it from doing any more damage than it has already done.”

Response

Cleveland Independent School District closed today in response to the fire and have not said when it will reopen. Last night the flames reached the zoning district, but Cleveland High school remains 11.9 miles out from the flames.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Cleveland ISD will be closed on Thursday, March 20, 2025, to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and families.” Cleveland ISD wrote in a website notice. “We urge all families to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, including following any advisories issued by local authorities. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Caney Creek High School is actively publishing warnings and updates through its social media accounts. Principal Dr. Terri Benson addressed the fire in an email sent to staff this morning.

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students and their families.” Benson wrote. “Please ensure understanding and flexibility as they adjust to a situation that is completely outside of their control. If you have any specific assignments or assessments scheduled, please make the necessary adjustments for any students affected.”

Benson and Counselor Heather Hadash plan to organize how the school will offer support to students and staff in need soon. 

Support

Calvary Baptist Church in Splendora, the East Montgomery County Community Development Center in Splendora, and the San Jacinto County Shelter in Coldspring offer shelter to evacuated families. Caney Creek Cowboy Church is offering to take in endangered livestock.

Families can receive live updates of satellite graphics via the Watch Duty app.