BAYTOWN, Texas – An investigation is underway after a large fire left an Exxon facility damaged in Baytown on Saturday.
La Porte emergency personnel responded to the refinery located at 5000 Bayway Drive in Baytown. around 1 p.m.
Fire officials said there is no need for residents to shelter in place or evacuate the area.
PHOTOS: Fire reported at Exxon facility in Baytown
Shortly after the fire was contained, as a precaution, Exxon Mobil officials said they are continuing to monitor the air quality at the site and in the community. Exxon Mobile officials don't believe that the community is at risk from the impact of the fire based on information gathered.
Baytown resident Pedro Martinez was nearby when the refinery caught fire.
"It was a lot of fire. It was a lot of smoke, and I see big flames of fire," Martinez said.
There were no injuries reported at this fire. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released the following statement:
"The fire at ExxonMobil's Baytown refinery has been contained and Harris County Pollution Control has not detected any abnormalities in air quality. The substance burning was gasoline and thanks to the quick response of Baytown's OEM and first responders, there were no injuries.
"Pollution Control is still monitoring the air south of the plant around La Porte and Clear Lake with no reading at this time. Many thanks to the Industrial Liaison from Harris County OEM and the Harris County Fire Marshal for assisting."
Our emergency response teams are responding to a fire at our Refinery. At this time there is no need for the community to shelter in place. More information is available on the CAER Online app: https://t.co/uzVTxSOXtO
— ExxonMobil Baytown Area (@ExxonMobilBTA) March 16, 2019
Update at 4:00pm: The fire is out. Update at 2:30pm: We are continuing to monitor the ongoing fire at Exxon in...
Posted by La Porte Office of Emergency Management on Saturday, March 16, 2019