CLEVELAND, Texas – As the nearby Pauline Road Fire continues to burn, Cleveland Independent School District (Cleveland ISD) has canceled classes on Thursday, March 20, 2025, due to safety concerns arising from the wildfire. The decision was posted on Facebook just after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, explaining the district's commitment to student, staff, and family safety in light of the ongoing situation.
According to Cleveland ISD officials, "Due to the ongoing Pauline Road fires in San Jacinto County, increasing wind speeds and shifting wind direction have raised serious safety concerns." The district is not only suspending classes but also encourages the community to stay informed, adhere to local safety advisories, and limit travel around the area.
As of late Wednesday night, firefighters and emergency management crews were battling the Pauline Road Fire, which has spread across an estimated 1,300 acres with only 10% containment. The situation has prompted evacuations in surrounding neighborhoods, with residents being advised to leave their homes as the fire poses an immediate threat due to dry and windy conditions in the area.
The blaze, which is located about 60 miles north of Houston in the Sam Houston National Forest, was initially reported around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, starting at roughly 200 acres. As the evening progressed, the fire rapidly expanded, leading officials to identify approximately 300 homes at risk. Roughly 230 evacuations were executed, with around 200 of those being voluntary. Emergency shelter has been established in Coldspring for affected residents.
"Evacuate immediately as of 9 p.m. Wednesday," declared the Texas A&M Forest Service in a social media update. The evacuation orders apply to families living along critical roads such as Pauline Road, Lee Turner Road, and Kirby Road. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office noted that residents in Peach Creek Estates should also prepare for potential evacuation as the fire meanders southeast.
In addition, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management emphasized to residents that "our area is experiencing elevated fire threats due to dry, windy weather that makes conditions ideal for fire growth". This warning comes as the Texas A&M Forest Service reports responding to 14 new wildfires around Texas over the past week, burning a total of 18,518 acres statewide.
Despite the challenges, emergency crews are making efforts to control the fire, which has resulted in damage to two outbuildings but thankfully, no injuries have been reported as of now. The fire has triggered alerts across a vast swath of Texas, and officials have heightened awareness among residents about the risks posed by such wildfires.
Authorities are advising those in the threat zone to prepare for possible evacuation and to remain vigilant, as conditions could change rapidly. A shelter for livestock has also been arranged, offering refuge for animals at Caney Creek Cowboy Church, located nearby for those who may need assistance.
As Cleveland ISD continues to monitor the situation closely in conjunction with emergency management teams, the district assures families that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The well-being of students, staff, and the entire community remains top priority during this firefighting effort.
The Pauline Road Fire remains a developing situation, and officials urge residents to adhere to safety protocols, prepare emergency plans, and stay attuned to local updates. As the weather conditions suggest a continued risk for fire development, forecasters stress the importance of remaining cautious in activities that could spark additional fires.
