DEER PARK, Texas – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shared an update on the status of a pipeline fire in Deer Park, saying the pressure in the pipeline is decreasing and thus the fire is getting closer to being out.
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According to Hidalgo, Energy Transfer, the company who owns the pipeline, is currently working to isolate the part of the pipeline closest to the burn by “clamping” the pipeline at the south side of the burn.
CenterPoint is also working to secure transmission lines on the north side of the fire along the pipeline right of way outside of the explosion zone.
“Once those heavy lines have been secured, Energy Transfer will be able to block the north side of the pipeline. CenterPoint is also working to secure the distribution lines running east to west on Spencer Highway to ensure those power lines will not be affected as equipment moves in to finish the job. Once both sides of the pipeline have been clamped, Energy Transfer has said they will verify that there is no product remaining,” Hidalgo said.
Officials are also continuing to monitor air quality. Hidalgo says once the valve has been clamped, officials will conduct air quality monitoring for natural gas and other potentially harmful substances to make sure that no excess product is entering the area or affecting first responders.
“We are thankful to Houston Hazmat, who are responding to calls for service in our stead so our resources can focus on the scene. Harris County Pollution Control is also leveraging TCEQ resources so there is enough equipment to complete all the monitoring and determine the air is safe for residents to return to their homes,” Hidalgo said. “As part of reentry, first responders will go door to door in the evacuated communities to make sure once again that all people and animals are evacuated from the area and to confirm there are no additional fires in homes. Once firefighters inspect the nearby houses for safety concerns, the pipeline is clamped, and our officials determine air quality is safe, residents will be able to return to their homes.”
Since Spencer Highway has been exposed to heat and fire for over a day, Hidalgo says Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and engineers are reviewing the integrity of the roadway.
“First responders, along with our Office of Emergency Management, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Harris County Health Department and Pollution Control, remain activated and working until the fire is out. Thank you to the various agencies and first responders who have been working day and night to help contain the fire and help keep residents safe throughout this incident,” Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo’s full statement can be read below:
“My team and I continue to be in ongoing contact with first responders at the scene of the fire and to help with any additional necessary resources. Currently, the fire is still burning, but the good news is that the pressure within the pipeline is continuously dropping, which means we are getting closer to the fire going out. Energy Transfer has said they are currently working to isolate the part of the pipeline closest to the burn by “clamping” the pipeline at the south side of the burn. CenterPoint is working to secure the transmission lines on the north side of the fire along the pipeline right of way outside of the explosion zone. Once those heavy lines have been secured, Energy Transfer will be able to block the north side of the pipeline. CenterPoint is also working to secure the distribution lines running east to west on Spencer Highway to ensure those power lines will not be affected as equipment moves in to finish the job. Once both sides of the pipeline have been clamped, Energy Transfer has said they will verify that there is no product remaining. Harris County Pollution Control continues to monitor the air. Once Energy Transfer has clamped the valve, Harris County Hazmat and Harris County Pollution Control, with aid from state and local partners, will conduct air monitoring for natural gas and other potentially harmful substances to make sure that no excess product is entering the community or affecting first responders working the scene. We are thankful to Houston Hazmat, who are responding to calls for service in our stead so our resources can focus on the scene. Harris County Pollution Control is also leveraging TCEQ resources so there is enough equipment to complete all the monitoring and determine the air is safe for residents to return to their homes. As part of reentry, first responders will go door to door in the evacuated communities to make sure once again that all people and animals are evacuated from the area and to confirm there are no additional fires in homes. Once firefighters inspect the nearby houses for safety concerns, the pipeline is clamped, and our officials determine air quality is safe, residents will be able to return to their homes. Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia and Precinct 2 engineers are also reviewing the integrity of Spencer Highway given the highway has been exposed to heat from the fire for over a day. First responders, along with our Office of Emergency Management, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Harris County Health Department and Pollution Control, remain activated and working until the fire is out. Thank you to the various agencies and first responders who have been working day and night to help contain the fire and help keep residents safe throughout this incident.”
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