HOUSTON – A precautionary shelter in place order which was issued by the City of Houston due to a chemical fire at a metal plating facility has been lifted.
The blaze happened in the 6200 block of Royalton Street in southwest Houston near Bellaire, and it was deemed a three-alarm fire Saturday morning. The Houston Fire Department has been working on the fire since at least 4 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters saw several chemicals at the facility, but officials did not mention what the chemicals were.
The shelter in place only applied to the area from Royalton Street to 5th Street and Ashbrook Drive to Palmetto Street.
People were encouraged to close their doors, windows, and turn off their air conditioning to limit exposure. No evacuations were made.
Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña said officials monitored the air levels and a recent reading showed the area is in a range that is normal.
Around 4 a.m., HFD received an automatic call from the company about the fire.
When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy smoke and the blaze. The fire started within the facility and was possibly accidental.
Officials said there was heavy damage to the building, and they are trying to mop up the fire and watch for hot spots.
Peña said the shelter in place was issued because of the particulates released by the smoke, which can cause respiratory irritation if people inhale the smoke. According to authorities, there is not a concern about explosives or chemicals in the air.
“We’re working with the EPA to ensure we (conduct) complete atmospheric testing and monitoring before we lift any shelter in place,” Peña said.
Peña said there is some concern the building could collapse, so firefighters are being cautious while they work.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Mason Holt lives in the neighborhood. He said he saw the fire around 4:30 a.m.
“It was fuming crazy fire and tons of black smoke that was spiraling. It was a really big fire,” he said.
Holt said his mother became lightheaded from the fumes.
@HoustonFire is currently on scene at 6218 Royalton St. performing extinguishment efforts after receiving a building on fire call. The are currently no injuries to firefighters and civilians. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) May 20, 2023
Authorities told people to avoid the area while first responders work the fire.