Red chemical runoff kills aquatic life in Spring Branch Creek after warehouse fire

HOUSTON – A day after a massive warehouse fire, a new worry lies along the banks of the nearby Spring Branch Creek —several dead animals, including fish and turtles, even a snake.

Many fear it's the direct result of the runoff from fighting that fire.

Celeste Williams, who lives nearby, said, "I felt very angry and distressed that in a fraction of a second, the environment could be destroyed down here."

Investigators say two products are what went into the water. One was a petroleum additive, or that red stuff seen in the water, which has since been contained by cleanup crews.

However, the other was a pesticide that can't be contained or removed because it's water-soluble.

"It's in a way shocking to me, since the fire was not directly in our neighborhood,  how far away we can be affected," said Williams.

Neighbors aren't only ones concerned.

So is the Bayou Preservation Association, a group dedicated to protecting and restoring our waterways.

Steve Hupp, with the organization, said, "I'm wondering what's going on with the fish here and downstream. Of course it may take a while for this to manifest itself as well."

Several agencies, including the EPA and TCEQ, are still testing the water to learn more about the potential impact.

"We probably lost a lot of aquatic life right here. Of course, the problem with warehouse fires is you have so much water," said Hupp.