Wildfire in San Jacinto Co. grows to 700 acres, zero percent contained

SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas — Hundreds of acres are burning in a wildfire in San Jacinto County near the Montgomery County line. 

According to Texas A&M Forest Service, it’s grown to 700 acres north-northwest of FM 1725 near Alsobrooks Road.  As of 6:30 p.m., the fire was 0% contained. 

There are no injuries reported and so far, no structures have been affected, but according to Jason Millsaps with Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough’s Office, several homes were evacuated and a shelter was being opened in Coldspring. 

At this point, we don’t know how the fire started, but there is a continuing fire danger because of the high winds and low humidity.

According to the National Weather Service, smoke can be seen and smelled down to Liberty County.

The San Jacinto County Office of Emergency Management said a controlled burn was being performed by a landowner. SJCOEM said it was supposed to be a 60-acre fire but Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner called it a wildfire that had spread to at least 200 acres. The fire is 0% contained. 

The fire was so strong that the heat signal was picking up on radar and satellite imagery.

The Red Flag Warning lasts until 7 p.m., with winds gusting between 22 and 25 miles per hour from the northwest, according to KHOU 11 meteorologist Kim Castro. That’s pushing smoke toward Cleveland and Liberty County. Drivers on Highway 69 should should expect reduced visibility from smoky haze.

This is a breaking story. As soon as we have more information, we’ll post it here. You can also download the KHOU 11 app for updates as we get them.