Several fires break out across Montgomery County, where dry conditions have led to high fire risk

Firefighters responded to more calls Thursday as dry conditions persist across Montgomery County.

Several county firefighters responded to a fire in the Timberland subdivision off Texas 99 and FM 1314 Thursday afternoon, Porter Fire Chief Carter Johnson told The Montgomery County Police Reporter. 

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The fire started in backyard of one of the houses in the subdivision, spreading to nearby properties, according to a report from the Police Reporter. 

South Montgomery County, Caney Creek and Porter firefighters managed to bring the fire under control. The Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office also responded to assist firefighters. 

“We had several fences get damaged and a small out building, but no livable structures sustained any major damage,” Johnson said. 

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office. 

This is the second fire Porter firefighters responded to this week where homes were at risk. 

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Porter firefighters responded to a fire around 6 p.m. Wednesday at Loop 494 between Kingwood Drive and Northpark Drive, finding heavy fire conditions along the train tracks spreading towards large pine trees and across Loop 494.

Porter and Houston firefighters were able to cut down several large pine trees that were burning, bringing the fire under control before sunset. 

On Tuesday, Montgomery County commissioners issued a 30-day burn ban due to the dry conditons. Most of Montgomery County is at more than 600 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which is used to determine forest fire potential.

The index ranges from 0 to 800, with an index of 0 representing no moisture depletion and an index of 800 meaning absolutely dry conditions. 

More than 78 percent of the state is “abnormally dry,” including Montgomery County, based on the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, a partnership of academic and government scientists.

Weather outlook

The county can expect more weather in the triple digits this weekend, with highs at or above 100 degrees across most of the region and heat index temperatures inching close to 108 or higher. says Houston Chronicle Newsroom Meteorologist Justin Ballard.

Drought conditions in the region continue to worsen as the area slips deeper into rainfall deficits, he said.