Electrical Issue Sparked School Bus Fire in Texas, Investigation Finds
A fire marshal determines that an electrical malfunction started the fire in the engine of one bus and then spread to four others at Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD.
COLDSPRING, Texas — An investigation has found that an electrical malfunction sparked the fire that burned five school buses here on Wednesday.
As previously reported, four school buses were completely destroyed and a fifth bus was heavily damaged in the blaze at the Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) transportation facility on Wednesday night. Firefighters were called shortly after 10 p.m.
School district administrators, sheriff’s officers, and the county fire marshal also responded to the scene. Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD said that the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office would also come to the school bus facility on Thursday morning to investigate the cause of the fire.
Later on Thursday, Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD reported the findings of the investigation:
“The fire marshal determined that the fire was definitely an electrical fire/malfunction which started in the engine of one bus then spread to the others,” the district said on its website. “No foul play was involved.”
The Houston Chronicle reported that two of the school buses in the fire were 2004 models, and three were 2015 models. Director of Transportation Charles Cotton told the news source that one of the 2015 buses might be reparable.
Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, which is located about 60 miles north of Houston, has a fleet of 25 school buses.
Students were on spring break during the week of the fire. The district said that classes would resume as planned on Monday (March 19), with normal school bus routes and times.
Superintendent Leland Moore told local media in a press conference on Thursday that the district would either lease buses or borrow some from neighboring districts that have offered to help. Cotton said that the buses in the fire were insured, but it could take a month or two to get permanent replacements.
Here’s a video of Coldspring-Oakhurst CSD’s press conference, posted by Janel Forte of KHOU:
More Maintenance
Cummins on Smarter, Simpler Engine Innovation
Cummins discusses its first-ever gasoline engine for school buses, EPA 2027, and why bus fleets still want durable, simpler internal combustion options.
Read More →
Report: 72% of Diesel School Buses Now Use Advanced Low-Emission Engines
New data shows advanced low-emission diesel technology continues expanding across school bus fleets, even as electric bus adoption gains momentum.
Read More →
Vampire Tools' CAIMAN 7.5-Inch Multi-Purpose Screw Extractor Long-Nose Pliers with Crimper
Vampire Tools introduced the VAMPLIERS Caiman 7.5-inch multi-purpose pliers, combining screw extraction, cutting, crimping, and gripping functions into a single tool designed for fleet maintenance professionals.
Read More →How Advanced Diagnostics Helps Bus Fleets Stay Ahead of Repairs
Chat with Noregon’s Kevin Smallhorn at ACT Expo about bus diagnostic tools, telematics integration, CNG maintenance support, and strategies to help reduce downtime and improve uptime.
Read More →
How School Bus Fleets are Getting Ahead of Breakdowns
Don’t let bus downtime wear you down. Here’s how bus operators are shifting from manual processes to AI-powered, data-driven maintenance systems for improved reliability and safety.
Read More →
Pennsylvania School Bus Maintenance Team Praised for Dedication to Safety
Matthews Bus Company’s West Jefferson received a letter of commendation from the Pennsylvania State Police for their fleet inspections.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
From Chaos to Clarity: How School Districts Are Running Leaner Transportation Operations
Covering 38 routes on a Friday afternoon. Buses idling while routes overlap. Parents calling nonstop about late arrivals. Sound familiar? This whitepaper explores how district transportation leaders solved these exact problems — and what measurable results followed.
Read More →
The New Playbook for Safer, Smarter School Bus Maintenance
As school districts juggle aging buses, technician shortages and rising safety expectations, proactive fleet maintenance is becoming essential. This guide explores how telematics, predictive maintenance and real-time vehicle data can help transportation departments reduce breakdowns, extend vehicle life, improve compliance and keep students safer on the road.
Read More →2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →
