LIVE: La Porte pipeline fire near Spencer Highway causes road closures, evacuations, 4 total injuries reported
LA PORTE, Texas - A pipeline fire near Spencer Highway and Summerton has caused major disruptions in La Porte. The incident, affecting a 20-inch natural gas liquids pipeline, was reported this morning.
Energy Transfer, the pipeline operator, has isolated the line to allow the chemical Y Grade NGL (liquid natural gas) to safely burn off. A timeline for this process is not yet available.
Preliminary reports suggest that an unknown passenger car may have entered the right-of-way and struck the valve location, potentially causing the fire. Air monitoring equipment is being set up to further assess the situation.
The Fire Department is advising residents to evacuate the area between Luella and Canada. Emergency crews are actively working to control the fire. Harris County Hazmat and other HCFMO resources are also responding to the scene.
Unified Command is in place, with Deer Park managing the west side and La Porte handling the east. A mobile command post is located at East Blvd. and Spencer Hwy., and HC Pollution Control is on site. Currently, a strike team is responding, and CenterPoint is evaluating infrastructure damage.
9:54 p.m. update
Officials released the latest update on the pipeline fire in La Porte saying, "The pipeline fire is still burning off remanence, but it is reducing. With the information that Energy Transfer has provided, they have estimated that the burn off will carry on into the early morning of Tuesday, September 17th. Energy Transfer and Harris County Pollution Control are continuing to conduct air monitoring. No air monitoring issues have been reported at this time. Harris County Hazmat and Resources will be conducting an investigation once the fire diminishes. CenterPoint is currently staged at Walmart and will begin power restoration once the grounds have cooled down. Energy Transfer is taking steps to reduce product in the line by adding additional flares. For Energy Transfer specific questions, please email laporteresponse@energytransfer.com. For anyone displaced and/or impacted by the Energy Transfer Pipeline Fire, Energy Transfer has created a help line: (855) 430-4491. Those impacted are encouraged to call. Energy Transfer will document their information and advise of support and/or resources available."
9:42 p.m. update
The San Jacinto College Central Campus will re-open on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, for scheduled classes, operations, and activities. There is no fire on campus and the campus is safe for employees and students to return. College Administration and the Office of Emergency Management continue to closely monitor the pipeline fire. Air quality monitoring will be conducted by Energy Transfer at the Central Campus on Tuesday. Employees and students affected by this incident should work with their leader and faculty, respectively, for any arrangements they may need for missed work and class coursework.
La Porte ISD also released a statement saying that all La Porte ISD schools will be open on Tuesday. They added, "We understand that some families may face challenges in light of the fire today. As always, we encourage you to do what is best for your family."
7:37 p.m. update
The City of La Porte has reopened Luella Boulevard and reduced the evacuation area south of the Deer Park pipeline fire.
The current evacuated area is bounded by Scotch Moss, Spencer Highway, Canada Road, and Oak Haven/Eagle Run.
Evacuated residents may contact the pipeline owner, Energy Transfer, at 855-430-4491 for claims related to the event. Evacuees with animals should contact the City of La Porte's Animal Shelter at 10901 Spencer Highway or 281-842-3700.
The line has been isolated so that the residual product in it can safely burn itself out. Responders continue to work with Energy Transfer and will remain onsite. Increased LPPD patrols will be present in impacted areas.
There may also be an increased number of governmental and responding agencies in the community. Follow the direction of law enforcement and do not attempt to drive around barricades.
Follow official sources on social media for further information.
6:19 p.m. update
The City of Deer Park has released some updated information regarding the pipeline fire. Here is their full statement:
At approximately 10 a.m. on September 16th, 2024, a white sport utility vehicle drove through a fence on the west side of Wal-Mart's parking lot located at 9025 Spencer Highway, Deer Park, TX 77536. The vehicle entered the adjacent pipeline right-of-way and struck an above-ground pipeline valve. The Deer Park Police Department (DPPD) and local FBI agents conducted the initial investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting no terroristic activity. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the DPPD, and supports that this appears to be an isolated incident. The investigation is ongoing, including the positive identification of the vehicle and driver. No other information about the investigation is available as of the time of this press release.
The flow to the ruptured line has been shut off and is currently burning off the remnants, which may extend late into the evening. Energy Transfer has set up a helpline for individuals directly affected by the Deer Park incident. For assistance with displacement or impacts related to the incident, contact Energy Transfer at (855) 430-4491.
4:48 p.m. update
The La Porte Office of Emergency Management is reporting that the La Porte Police Department will have an increased presence in the affected areas, specifically the Brookglen neighborhood, throughout the night.
Also, officials said anyone who may be in need of a hotel room for the night due to the fire or the evacuations is asked to call (855) 430-4491.
4:16 p.m. update
Officials have confirmed a total of four injuries have been reported in connection with the pipeline fire in La Porte. FOX 26 has learned two of the injuries were heat related. The type of injury for the other two wasn't confirmed, according to officials. One of the reported injuries does include a firefighter that was reported earlier on Monday.
Photo from the fire (Source: Rebecca Salazar)
4:08 p.m. update
The Deer Park Office of Emergency Management posted on X that anyone displaced and/or impacted by the Energy Transfer Pipeline Fire, Energy Transfer has created a help line. You can call (855) 430-4491. Those impacted are urged to call, Deer Park OEM said. Energy Transfer will document their information and advise of support and/or resources available.
3:55 p.m. update
Harris County Pollution Control (PCS) said, "At this time, PCS monitoring and surveillance has recorded no detections for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Particulate matter (PM) from the smoke is moderate and not an immediate risk for healthy populations. Sensitive populations may want to take precautions."
2:47 p.m. update
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo just posted a statement regarding the pipeline fire saying, "This morning, a major fire erupted at Energy Transfer liquid natural gas pipeline off of Spencer Highway in Deer Park. At this time, the fire is still burning and the heat is tremendous. First responders are working to keep the fire contained. Four to six nearby homes have structural damage.
The valves to the affected pipeline have been closed, but there are 20 miles of pipeline between the two valves that have to burn off before the fire stops. In the meantime, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, Harris County Pollution Control, the American Red Cross, and local first responders on scene.
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is activeto level 3: Increased Readiness.
CenterPoint is working to restore power to homes and businesses who are currently without power. Harris County Pollution Control is conducting air monitoring and will publish the results on ReadyHarris.org.
Harris County is doing everything we can to help keep residents safe and support first responders during this incident. I am on my way back to Harris County from a pre-planned trip to visit to a sick friend. Thank you to the first responders who are helping to respond to this incident. We will provide more information to the community when we have it."
2:33 p.m. update
The La Porte Office of Emergency Management just posted a message on Facebook saying, "A fire along a pipeline in Deer Park began at 9:55 a.m. this morning and is having impacts in the city of La Porte. The cause is undetermined and is under investigation; the pipeline is owned by Energy Transfer, which has confirmed that the chemical burning is a Y-grade liquid natural gas.
First responders are providing an initial estimate of a further several hours to extinguish the fire. Evacuation will continue until the area is deemed safe to return, but the evacuation area has been reduced to roughly 941 impacted addresses. At this time, the evacuation area is from Luella Drive east to Canada Road and from Spencer Highway south to Oakhaven/Eagle Run.
The City has been working with officials of the La Porte ISD and additional community partners to coordinate school pick up, traffic, and servicing. For the remainder of the day, Pasadena Boulevard and Fairmont Parkway should be used instead of Spencer Highway. Follow direction of law enforcement and do not attempt to drive around barricades.
Energy Transfer is establishing a process for claims and to provide assistance to those impacted. That information will be provided as available.
Reunification sites have been established at the City of La Porte’s SPORT Center at 1302 S. Broadway and at the City of Deer Park’s Jimmy Burke Activity Center on Thirteenth Street. Additionally, the Faithbridge Church located at 4711 Center Street in Deer Park is serving as a shelter. Evacuees with animals should contact the City of La Porte's Animal Shelter at 10901 Spencer Highway or 281-842-3700.
A member of the Pasadena Fire Department sustained an injury this morning on an issue adjacent to the main issue. CenterPoint Energy is aware of power outages in the area.
Further information will be provided as available. Media may make inquiry to the City of Deer Park at (832) 835-7209. Follow official sources on social media as traffic routes may change throughout the event.
2:18 p.m. update
La Porte ISD has issued a statement regarding getting some children home due to the pipeline fire.
"While our schools are continuing to operate normally, students from several of our campuses live in the area affected by the evacuation. Therefore, we are unable to transport those children home by bus. The district is in the process of contacting parents who will need to arrange for pickup of their students (at their home campus). We appreciate your patience and understanding."
Also during a news conference on Monday afternoon, officials said they've cut off the source, but they have to let it burn off. It will be several hours and probably into the night.
One firefighter had to be treated for injuries.
FOX 26 is continuing to provide the latest details as we receive them.
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Power Outages
There have also been reports of power outages, excluding a McDonald's employee, who says the power went out as she was working.
CenterPoint released a statement about how they plan to respond:
CenterPoint Energy is monitoring the incident on Spencer Highway in LaPorte, which is unrelated to the company’s natural gas operations or equipment. We are also cooperating with first responders. Putting safety first, the public should avoid this area until further notice from local emergency officials. When it is safe to do so, our electric crews will go into the area to assess the damage to our transmission and distribution power lines, poles and equipment and begin restoring service to impacted customers as safely and quickly as possible.
Road Closures
- Spencer Highway: Closed in both directions
- East Boulevard: Closed southbound towards Spencer Highway
- Wal-Mart and H-E-B Area: Blocked off
School Closures
- San Jacinto College Central Campus is closed for the rest of the day with no classes or activities. Central Campus employees have been asked to work remotely.
Shelter in Place
- La Porte ISD says that students are safe and schools in the affected area are sheltering in place as a precaution. However, the district will be unable to transport some children home by bus. "While our schools are continuing to operate normally, students from several of our campuses live in the area affected by the evacuation. Therefore, we are unable to transport those children home by bus. The district is in the process of contacting parents who will need to arrange for pickup of their students (at their home campus). We appreciate your patience and understanding."
Evacuation
Local authorities have implemented evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for nearby areas, including HEB, Walmart, Heritage Elementary, College Park Elementary, James H. Baker, San Jacinto College.
- An evacuation has been ordered between Spencer Highway and Fairmont Parkway between Luella and Canada Road, the Brookglen neighborhood area.
- Residents near the fire are likely to be evacuated due to power loss. SETRAC is working on a potential evacuation for a nearby assisted living facility.
Shelters
- East Harris County Activity Center at 7340 Spencer Hwy in Pasadena has been set up as an Evacuation Shelter/Cooling Center for those affected by the fire.
- Mattress Mack has opened up Gallery Furniture located at 6006 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77076 as shelter for those affected by this event.
- Jimmy Burke Activity Center on Thirteenth Street is a temporary reunification site for evacuees.
- The Faithbridge Church located at 4711 Center Street in Deer Park is serving as a shelter.
Travel Advisory
- Drivers are urged to avoid the affected areas and use alternate routes.
Abbott deploys state resources
Governor Abbott has deployed state resources and personnel to assist with the fire response in Deer Park. In a conversation with Mayor Mouton, he assured that the state is providing full support and addressing any unmet needs. "Our prayers are with the Deer Park community and the brave first responders," Abbott said.
Footage of damage