In a developing incident, emergency crews are currently responding to a massive fire at a pipeline in the Deer Park area of Texas. The fire broke out near Spencer Highway close to the intersection with East Boulevard, near a Walmart and H-E-B store. The Office of Emergency Management has advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, as traffic in the vicinity has been closed off.

The pipeline, which runs along the city limits between Deer Park and La Porte, has prompted emergency responders from both cities to mobilize. Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia revealed that approximately 350 nearby homes have been issued an evacuation order due to their close proximity to the fire. The affected region is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the residents.

According to the Harris County Judge's Office, Energy Transfer, the company that owns the pipeline, has confirmed that it is a 20-inch natural gas liquids line that is currently burning. Energy Transfer has isolated the line to allow the residual product to safely burn itself out. The company stated that there have been no reports of injuries at this time. Air monitoring equipment is being set up in the area as a precautionary measure.

Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr. stressed that the primary concern is the intense heat generated by the fire. In an effort to mitigate the situation, Energy Transfer has significantly lowered the pressure of the pipeline. The pressure has been reduced from 1,400 to 200 PSI, aimed at minimizing the intensity of the fire.

Local news outlet KHOU 11 Investigates revealed that the affected area contains several pipelines, each marked with different hazardous materials, including petroleum, methanol, dry gas, and ethane. This information has heightened concerns about the potential dangers associated with the ongoing fire.

Given the power loss in the affected area, residents near the fire may also be subject to evacuation. The Deer Park Office of Emergency Management has recommended evacuations between Luella and Canada in the Brookglen neighborhood. Additionally, a nearby assisted living facility is also being considered for potential evacuation measures.

To assist those affected by the fire, the East Harris County Activity Center at 7340 Spencer Hwy in Pasadena has been designated as an evacuation shelter and cooling center. Moreover, shelter-in-place orders are in effect for the H-E-B and Walmart stores, as well as Heritage Elementary, College Park Elementary, and James H. Baker. Temporary relocation sites have been established at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center on 13th Street and the Faithbridge Church on Center Street to provide assistance to those in need.

As the situation unfolds, the La Porte ISD confirms that all students are safe and currently sheltering in place. Authorities are actively working to gather more information and will provide updates to the community as soon as they become available.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks posed by industrial areas with numerous pipelines. As emergency crews continue their efforts to contain the fire, the safety of the residents remains the top priority.

#PipelineFire | Emergency responders are responding to a Pipeline Fire near Spencer Hwy and Summerton. The Fire Department is recommending an evacuation between Luella and Canada. Our office will update the community as more information is gathered.