Massive Pipeline Fire in Deer Park and La Porte Areas
A natural gas liquid is burning from a pipeline owned by Energy Transfer, causing havoc in the Deer Park and La Porte areas. The incident has left four people injured, including a firefighter.
The fire started near Spencer Highway, close to East Boulevard near the Brookglen neighborhood. Emergency responders from La Porte and Deer Park are on the scene trying to contain the blaze.
Residents in the affected areas, including Luella Dr., Canada, Spencer Highway, and Oakhaven/Eagle Run, have been advised to evacuate. Schools and businesses in the vicinity, such as Heritage Elementary, College Park Elementary, H-E-B, and Walmart, have also been evacuated.
Updates on the Incident
According to Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the pipeline is owned by Energy Transfer, and the fire involves the burning of liquid natural gas. The incident occurred at a valve station, and Energy Transfer has taken measures to isolate the line and allow the residual product to burn out.
Firefighters are working diligently to protect nearby homes, with reports of smoke visible on some rooftops. The constant heat generated by the fire remains a significant risk, prompting Energy Transfer to lower the pipeline pressure to reduce the intensity of the flames.
A shelter-in-place order is in effect for several schools and businesses in the area, while evacuation centers have been set up to assist affected residents.
Impacts on the Community
Residents in the Brookglen neighborhood reported hearing a loud boom when the fire started, prompting swift evacuations. The East Harris County Activity Center in Pasadena is serving as an evacuation shelter and cooling center for those displaced by the incident.
San Jacinto College Central Campus has closed for the day, with plans to resume operations on Tuesday. The college is working with local authorities to ensure the safety of its students and staff.
CenterPoint Energy reported more than 4,000 customers without power due to the fire. The company is coordinating with emergency responders to assess the damage and restore service as quickly as possible.
The situation is being closely monitored, with experts emphasizing the importance of letting the fire burn itself out to minimize environmental impact. Air quality and safety remain top priorities as the community works to address the aftermath of this unfortunate incident.
