Brush Fire Burns 175 Acres in Northeast Houston

Residents in Verde Forest told to prepare for possible evacuation as fire remains 30% contained.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A large brush fire has burned an estimated 175 acres in northeast Houston, with firefighters and emergency crews still working to fully contain the blaze. Residents in the Verde Forest neighborhood have been told to stay alert and be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen, though no mandatory evacuations have been ordered yet.

Why it matters

Brush fires pose a serious threat to nearby communities, especially in dry, windy conditions. This fire has already burned a significant area and could force evacuations if it continues to spread, disrupting the lives of local residents.

The details

The Houston Fire Department and Harris County Flood Control District have been battling the brush fire since Sunday. The fire is currently only about 30% contained, meaning there is still a lot of work to be done to fully extinguish the blaze. Authorities are urging residents in the Verde Forest neighborhood, especially those east of Thorn Street and north of Caddo Road, to stay prepared to evacuate if the situation deteriorates.

  • The brush fire began burning on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Firefighters have been working to contain the fire since it started and expect to remain on the scene for several more days.

The players

Houston Fire Department

The fire department serving the city of Houston, Texas, responsible for responding to and containing fires and other emergencies.

Harris County Flood Control District

The agency responsible for managing flood control infrastructure and responding to flood-related emergencies in Harris County, Texas, which includes the city of Houston.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue monitoring the fire and the surrounding area, and may issue mandatory evacuation orders for the Verde Forest neighborhood if the situation worsens.

The takeaway

This brush fire serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness, especially for communities located in areas prone to wildfires. Residents should heed warnings from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if necessary to ensure their safety.