A chemical plant explosion in La Porte, Texas, ignited a roaring pipeline fire on Monday morning, prompting authorities to order evacuations in nearby neighborhoods. The blaze, which started around 9:55 a.m., spread rapidly, causing grass fires and burning power poles in the area.
Residents Urged to Evacuate
Officials have directed residents of the Brookglen neighborhood to evacuate immediately due to the proximity of the fire. “Please avoid the area and follow law enforcement direction,” said La Porte city spokesperson Lee Woodward.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to control the flames, which damaged a nearby park and homes, according to video footage from KTRK. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Power Outages and Road Closures
The fire caused widespread power outages, and authorities have closed roads near a Wal-Mart and H-E-B in the affected area. The Deer Park Office of Emergency Management has established a Unified Command, with La Porte managing the east side of the response and Deer Park handling the west. “A mobile command post is set up at East Blvd. and Spencer Hwy.,” the office reported.
Shelter-in-Place Orders Issued
San Jacinto College Central Campus is currently under a shelter-in-place order as emergency responders remain on-site. The college assured in a social media post, “No fire on campus,” and the shelter-in-place order will remain until an all-clear is issued.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.
