A pipeline fire in La Porte, Texas, sparked grass fires and burned power poles on Monday, September 16, 2024, forcing people in the surrounding neighborhood to evacuate. While firefighters battled the blaze overnight, the fire is significantly smaller but authorities are unsure when it will be fully extinguished.
A pipeline fire in La Porte, Texas , sparks grass fires and burns power poles on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, forcing people in the surrounding neighborhood to evacuate. While first responders battled flames overnight and the blaze "is significantly smaller," it wasn't immediately known when the fire will eventually burn off, according to the La Porte Office of Emergency Management.
People who live in the area said they were able to access their homes to be reunited with their pets, as well as collect a few belongings. "The La Porte Fire Department personnel continue to supervise the uncontrolled burn of the Energy Transfer pipeline. Harris County Pollution Control and third-party contractors conducted air monitoring before nearby schools and educational institutions were opened this morning and continue to make evaluations throughout the community," the La Porte Office of Emergency Management noted on social media. Officials previously said the fire erupted when an SUV drove through a fence and hit an above-ground valve Monday around 10 a.m. Investigators said they found no evidence of “terroristic activity," adding that it appeared to be an isolated incident. Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr. said about 1,000 homes were initially evacuated, while four schools were ordered to shelter in place as first responders worked to put out smaller grass fires. He said firefighters set up a perimeter around the fire and the pipeline source was shut off.The blaze must burn itself out, according to its operator, Dallas-based Energy Transfer. Mouton said it would take several hours for the residual material to fully burn off.As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not still not identified the driver or released information about his or her condition. The SUV was incinerated by the explosion, which scorched the ground across a wide radius, severed power transmission lines, melted playground equipment and ignited some homes. Both Energy Transfer and Harris County Pollution Control were conducting air monitoring in the area and have found no health issues, according to Deer Park officials. As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities reopened Spencer Highway between Underwood Road and East Boulevard. Spencer Highway remained closed between East Boulevard and Luella Boulevard.
Pipeline Fire Texas Evacuation Grass Fires Power Poles
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