Liberty, NE Harris County residents advised to wear N95 masks amid smoke from Pauline Road Fire

HOUSTON – As wildfires continue to rage across 2,000 acres in San Jacinto County, former Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña cautions Liberty and Northeast Harris County residents to take immediate precautions.

• Pauline Road Fire: Officials expect more evacuations as windy conditions continue

With the smoke from these fires moving into the area, Peña advises residents to stay indoors whenever possible to avoid breathing in harmful smoke. For those who must go outside, he strongly recommends wearing an N95 mask to protect against smoke inhalation and staying hydrated throughout the day.

Thursday’s air quality for Houston will be in the moderate zone. This means that there will be more particulate matter in the air, especially with the ongoing Pauline Road Fire.

If you have a heightened sensitivity to smoke and are unable to use an N95 mask, limit your activity and time outdoors if you see smoke in your area.

• Crews battle 2,000 acre Pauline Road Fire through Thursday morning

The conditions are expected to worsen due to low humidity and shifting winds, making outdoor burning extremely dangerous. Peña emphasizes that all outdoor burning should be avoided at this time.

• 900 homes under mandatory or voluntary evacuations in San Jacinto, Montgomery counties due to wildfire

With fire crews battling the flames, residents are encouraged to remain hypervigilant as the situation evolves.