Caddo Fire Nearly Contained, But Hazards Could Linger

Houston officials say smoldering stumps and falling trees may pose risks for weeks

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Houston firefighters have scaled back resources at the Caddo fire after reporting minimal to no fire activity, pushing containment to 90%. While the main fire is largely under control, officials warn that smoldering stumps and weakened trees could continue to pose hazards in the area for weeks to come.

Why it matters

The Caddo fire has been burning in northeast Houston since Saturday, causing concern for nearby residents and requiring a significant response from local authorities. As the fire nears full containment, officials want to ensure the public remains aware of the potential ongoing risks in the area.

The details

Crews walked and flew the fire line on Wednesday, finding conditions largely under control despite stronger-than-usual winds. A few burning stumps were found, but were quickly extinguished. While the main fire is nearly contained, officials say smoke and falling trees could continue to be issues for 1-2 weeks as deep-seated smoldering persists in the interior. Residents have reported some smoke-related health issues, though air quality monitoring has not detected any major concerns so far.

  • The Caddo fire was first spotted on Saturday night.
  • On Wednesday, firefighters reported the fire was 90% contained.
  • Officials say smoldering and falling trees could be a hazard for 1-2 weeks.

The players

Robert Ausmus

District Chief and incident commander for the Caddo fire.

David Reyes

Captain and public information officer for the Houston Fire Department.

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What they’re saying

“We did have a south wind that was a little bit stronger today, but with that we had good recovery of humidity overnight, 90%, and then throughout the day it dropped down to 50%.”

— Robert Ausmus, District Chief and incident commander (khou.com)

“Even a week or two from here, there could be stumps and trees deep into the interior that may smolder. They may give off a little smoke. That is expected.”

— Robert Ausmus, District Chief and incident commander (khou.com)

“A lot of trees have burned at the base. They will hollow out and for a long time trees could just fall, and we've actually witnessed that already.”

— Robert Ausmus, District Chief and incident commander (khou.com)

What’s next

Officials will determine on Thursday morning whether to hold another press conference or issue a written release, depending on conditions.

The takeaway

While the Caddo fire is nearing full containment, the aftermath of the blaze could still pose risks to the public for weeks to come. Residents and travelers in the area should remain vigilant for potential hazards like smoldering stumps and falling trees, and report any concerns to authorities.