Key Takeaways
- A wildfire in U.S. Texas has spread over 2,300 acres in the Sam Houston National Forest.
- Evacuation orders have been issued in two counties neighboring Houston, Montgomery and San Jacinto, affecting about 900 homes.
- The National Weather Service upgraded a fire weather watch to a red flag warning, alerting that conditions are favorable for wildfires.
The wildfire in U.S. Texas is spreading rapidly in the Sam Houston National Forest, located about an hour’s drive from downtown Houston. As of Thursday afternoon, the fire has burned 2,360 acres, according to fire officials.
Currently only 20 percent has been contained since the fire broke out on Wednesday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
At least one structure may have burned by the fire possibly traced back to prescribed burn on private property, said the service at a news conference. No report on fatalities is available.
The wildfire prompted evacuation orders in two counties neighboring Houston, Montgomery and San Jacinto. About 900 homes are in the evacuation zone, said an ABC News report.
At least a public school district closed schools and canceled all afternoon activities in caution on Thursday due to the wildfire.
The National Weather Service on Wednesday upgraded a fire weather watch in counties west of Houston to a red flag warning, alerting that conditions are favorable for wildfires.
