Firefighters made significant progress overnight in protecting structures from the massive Pauline Road Fire, according to Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough.
In a post on Facebook, Keough said no buildings have been damaged as of early Thursday, despite the fire scorching 2,000 acres with only 10% containment.
Keough praised the tireless efforts of firefighters and law enforcement who worked through the night.
“We are blessed with the best, and the men and women of our fire departments and law enforcement agencies proved it yesterday and overnight,” he wrote. “They worked tirelessly to assist residents evacuate, protect their homes, and wrangle cattle and horses to safety.”
At daybreak, several air tankers, bulldozers, and additional firefighters are expected to join the battle. However, Keough warned that weather conditions will be a major challenge.
Strong wind gusts, low humidity, and warmer temperatures are in the forecast, making firefighting efforts even more difficult. The region is under a red flag warning due to the dangerous fire weather.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for parts of Montgomery and San Jacinto counties. Officials say around 900 homes have been impacted by the evacuations.
MAIN FIRE STORY: 1,300 acre wildfire burning in San Jacinto County moves into Montgomery County
Fire officials plan to release additional updates throughout the day.
Montgomery County officials are urging residents to sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed. In a midnight update, the Fire Marshal’s Office emphasized that the county’s emergency notification system is the primary way to share real-time information.
Residents can register for alerts by visiting Montgomery County Emergency Alerts. Officials say the alerts provide critical updates, including evacuation orders, road closures, and safety instructions.
READ MORE: Red Flag Warning vs Watch: Immediate fire danger or a cautionary tale?
Around midnight, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management posted a list of other roads now under mandatory evacuations for an imminent fire risk. They include:
- Holstein Dr.
- Hereford Way
- Cross Cut
- Rock Pigeon
- Boar’s Run
- Grey Goose
- Brown Bear
- Duroc Ct.
- Big Beave
- Blue Teal
- Grant Lake Circle
- N. Duck Creek north of Blue Teal
