The Houston Fire Department is managing a fire near Addicks Reservoir to clear debris and reduce future fire risks. Residents may notice smoke.
HOUSTON — The Houston Fire Department is keeping a close eye on a large fire burning near the Addicks Reservoir along I-10 and Eldridge Parkway, just south of Bear Creek Park.
Fire officials say the fire started as a grass fire, but crews are now managing it and allowing it to burn in a controlled way. The goal is to clear out years of built-up debris and help reduce the risk of future fires in the area.
“Here in about six months, everything that burned will be green and beautiful, its actually healthy for the forest for this to happen,” Houston Fire District Chief Don Alexander told KHOU 11.
HFD is working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the property, and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Certified wildland firefighters are overseeing the burn, with additional help available if needed.
Its unclear how the fire started, but crews will be onsite, likely for the next few days, to ensure it burns out on its own.
“We may be out here…mopping up hotspots, the roots burning underground, the stumps that are still burning, to put out that smoke, so the neighborhood might see us out here until Tuesday or Wednesday,” Chief Alexander said.
As the fire continues, people nearby may notice smoke in their neighborhoods or while driving on nearby roads. Fire officials ask residents not to call 911 about the smoke unless there’s an emergency.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is also reminding drivers to slow down and turn on headlights when smoke is in the area. Officials say reduced visibility can be dangerous, so drivers should stay alert and follow posted speed limits.
HFD says crews will continue monitoring the fire to make sure it remains safe and under control.
During the burn period, residents may see smoke in the area or on nearby roads. Please reduce your driving speed and use headlights when smoke is present. https://t.co/Fq6klCNkJ8
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 18, 2026
According to meteorologist Pat Cavlin, wind is relatively light, between 5 and 10 miles per hour from west to east, pushing smoke into town.
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