Texas District on Brink of Unrest as Pipeline Fire Continues to Burn with No End in Sight

DEER PARK, Texas (TND) — Hundreds of homes in a Texas neighborhood were evacuated Tuesday as a gas pipeline fire that broke out the previous day burned for nearly 36 hours.

According to the La Porte Emergency Management Office, rescuers battled the flames throughout the night and the fire is “significantly smaller” and it was not known when it would finally go out.

Residents in the area say they managed to get home to reunite with their pets and take some personal items.

“La Porte Fire Department personnel continue to monitor the uncontrolled burning of the Energy Transfer pipeline. Harris County Pollution Control and outside contractors conducted air monitoring prior to the opening of nearby schools and educational facilities this morning and continue to conduct assessments throughout the community,” the La Porte Office of Emergency Management noted on social media.

Authorities previously said the fire started when an SUV drove through a fence and struck a valve above ground level around 10 a.m. Monday. Investigators said they found no evidence of “terrorist activity,” adding that it appeared to be an isolated incident.

Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr. said about 1,000 homes were initially evacuated and four schools were ordered to stay indoors while rescuers worked to extinguish smaller grass fires. He said firefighters had set up a perimeter around the fire and the source of the pipeline had been sealed off.

As of Tuesday afternoon, evacuation orders were still in effect for about 400 homes.

The fire needs to burn itself out, according to its operator, Dallas-based Energy Transfer. Mouton said it will take several hours for the debris to completely burn.

The mayor noted that Class Y natural gas liquefied gas (NGL) was burning at the scene.

As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not identified the driver or provided any information about his health condition.

The explosion ignited an SUV that burned across a wide area, downed power lines, melted playground equipment and set fire to some homes.

According to Deer Park officials, both Energy Transfer and Harris County Pollution Control conducted air quality monitoring in the area and found no health concerns.

As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities had reopened Spencer Highway between Underwood Road and East Boulevard. Spencer Highway remained closed between East Boulevard and Luella Boulevard.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:Associated Press contributed to this report.