DEER PARK, Texas – Nearly 24 hours after a pipeline in Deer Park burst into flames, that fire was still intensely burning.
INITIAL REPORT: Major evacuations after massive pipeline fire in Deer Park; officials say fire started by vehicle striking valve
The temperature from the fire was so intense it torched a nearby playground. Firefighters hosed down their equipment and nearby homes, but that wasn’t enough to fight back against the radiant heat. At least five homes were damaged.
Officials announced Monday evening an SUV drove through a fence and hit the pipeline valve.
MORE: What we know about the nearby car
Energy Transfer owns the pipeline and after more than three hours, they were able to shut down two valves to cut off the natural gas fueling the fire.
Those two valves are twenty miles apart, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
CONTINUOUS COVERAGE ON THE DEER PARK PIPELINE FIRE
All the gas still in those lines has to burn off before the fire goes out. First responders said Monday afternoon that could take hours, so it’s unsurprising the flames are still as intense as they were, as of Tuesday morning.
Deer Park and La Porte officials have said the fire is “significantly smaller” despite what our cameras showed in the morning.
RELATED: Who is at risk from Deer Park smoke? Air quality alert issued
The fire is expected to burn itself out in the meantime but it’s unclear when that would be.
Road closures will remain in effect and Spencer Highway is still closed between Canada and Underwood.
Good morning, as of 6:00 AM, the fire continues to burn; however, we are seeing a significant decrease in pressure within the line, and the situation is steadily improving. First Responders and partner emergency response teams, along with industry partners, continue to manage the… pic.twitter.com/vT6Xy6WaAL
— La Porte Office of Emergency Management (OEM) (@lpoem) September 17, 2024
For those in need of assistance, Energy Transfer has set up a helpline for people impacted and are urged to call (855) 430-4491.
Please see the statement from Energy Transfer. pic.twitter.com/zcaqH1RFdk
— DeerParkOEM (@deerparkoem) September 17, 2024
RELATED LINKS:
