Pipeline fire in La Porte: McDonald’s employees evacuated near flames
McDonald’s employees were evacuated after flames broke out nearby. Many had to evacuate due to closed roads.
Fox – 26 Houston
A pipeline fire in the Houston area triggered an emergency response on Monday morning.
Here’s what we know:
Where is the pipeline fire in La Porte?
La Porte city officials responded to a pipeline fire in the 8700 block of Spencer Highway near East Boulevard around 9:55 a.m. Monday. Spreading flames near Spencer Highway and Summerton have caused additional smaller grass fires, according to local news outlets.
According to Harris County land records, the fire is on or near a CenterPoint property near another Coastal Industrial Water Authority property. A Walmart and a HEB are also near the fire.
“The smoke rises directly into the air, so from a weather perspective there is no wind and no inversion,” explained Pat Cavlin, meteorologist at KHOU 11. “Because the smoke can rise directly into the atmosphere and not stay on the ground, there is no immediate danger to the surrounding residential areas, only to the immediate area.”
Pipeline operator identified as Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer is the operator of the pipeline involved in the La Porte fire. It is a 20-inch liquefied natural gas pipeline. The company reports that the pipeline has been isolated to allow the residual product to burn off safely. It is unclear what chemicals are involved and how long the pipeline will continue to burn.
Unknown vehicle spotted near pipeline valve, possibly involved in accident
A white vehicle has been seen near the valve where the pipeline fire is originating. It does not appear to have any company markings, leading some to speculate that it was a civilian vehicle that drove into the pipeline and started the fire. Energy Transfer has acknowledged the rumors but has not yet confirmed them.
One firefighter injured in pipeline fire
Harris County officials confirmed that one firefighter was treated by EMS for minor injuries from the pipeline fire. No other injuries were reported.
Evacuation order for residents of La Porte
The district’s Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Protection reported the deployment of emergency services and called on the population to prepare for an evacuation.
The Deer Park Emergency Management Office says residents near the fire will likely be evacuated due to power outages. According to local news outlets, SETRAC is working on a possible evacuation of a nearby care facility.
“Approximately 350 homes are in close proximity to the fire, so an evacuation order is in effect,” said Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.
Traffic in the area has been closed. Commuters are asked to take a detour and avoid the area. Firefighters are spraying water on the surrounding houses to prevent them from catching fire. The lack of wind is working in their favor and preventing the fire from spreading further.
During a 1:30 p.m. news conference, Harris County and Deer Park officials said it could take several hours, possibly until Tuesday, for the remaining product in the pipeline to burn off. Authorities and operator Energy Transfer are coordinating efforts to ensure displaced residents have a place to stay if needed until it is safe to return to their homes.
Emergency shelters and cooling centers open for La Porte residents
- 6006 North Freeway, Houston, TX: According to Crime Stoppers, Mattress Mack has opened his furniture store, Gallery Furniture, to evacuees.
- 7340 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX: The East Harris County Activity Center in Pasadena has been set up as an evacuation shelter/cooling center for those affected by the fire.
La Porte students stay at home
The La Porte ISD report says students are safe and sheltering in place. A playground was damaged by fire.
Students and staff at San Jacinto Junior College were told to shelter in place. At around 12:30 p.m., students were dismissed and allowed to go home. All classes and activities for the rest of the day were canceled and staff were asked to work from home.
MAP: Power outages
According to KHOU’s livestream, around 4,000 customers initially reported power outages related to the pipeline fire. By 1:15 p.m. on Monday, only around 1,000 customers were still without power.
Video shows the pipeline fire in Deer Park La Porte
