This morning in Deer Park, Texas, authorities responded to a dangerous pipeline fire near the 8700 block of Spencer Highway and Summerton. The blast occurred near a property owned by CenterPoint Energy but has since been connected to a valve owned by Energy Transfer. The fire, which broke out unexpectedly, led to major road closures and evacuations as authorities work to prevent further escalation of the incident. Surrounding the location, smaller grass fires began to spread in the area, further complicating containment efforts. Local fire crews are working to keep the flames under control as the situation continues to unfold.

Evacuations have begun between Luella and Canada streets, with Spencer Highway completely closed in both directions. Traffic in surrounding areas has been heavily impacted, including the closures near Walmart, H-E-B, and East Boulevard. Nearby, San Jacinto College Central Campus has also issued a shelter-in-place order for its employees and students. Residents and commuters have been asked to avoid the area entirely until the fire is contained. As of Tuesday, the area impacted by the evacuation order has shrunk, but some residents have not been cleared to return to their homes yet.

What We Know About the Explosion Thus Far

• The fire was ignited when an SUV crashed through a fence and struck a valve.
• Authorities have confirmed there are no indications of a terroristic threat.
• The identity of the driver involved in the crash has not yet been disclosed.
• Residents of the Brookglen neighborhood have been evacuated as a precaution.
• San Jacinto College is scheduled to resume classes on Tuesday after Monday’s closure.
• The East Harris County Activity Center is being utilized as a shelter and cooling center.
• Faithbridge Church, located at 4711 Center Street, is also available as a shelter.
• The absence of wind is aiding in preventing the fire and smoke from spreading further.

Pipeline Fire Continues to Burn

As of the morning of September 17, 2024, the fire caused by the Deer Park pipeline explosion continues to burn. The city of Deer Park reported in a statement that “progress has been made” due to the overnight efforts of first responders, resulting in the fire becoming “significantly smaller.” The initial explosion and resulting fire occurred when a sport utility vehicle went through a fence adjacent to a Walmart, traveling across a grassy right-of-way before striking an above-ground valve. The vehicle was incinerated in the resulting explosion, which brought down multiple utility lines, set nearby homes on fire, and melted playground equipment.

How Many Injuries Were Caused by the Deer Park Pipeline Explosion?

At this point, there have been four reported injuries caused by the Deer Park pipeline explosion. Authorities report that one firefighter sustained minor injuries, but it is not clear if the firefighter is included among the four reported victims who suffered harm in the incident. The status of the driver who struck the valve is unknown at this time.

When Will the Deer Park Pipeline Fire Be Extinguished?

Operators acted quickly to shut off the flow of natural gas liquids to the impacted pipeline following the explosion. However, there are twenty miles of pipeline between the valve that was shut off and the valve at the site of the explosion. For the fire to stop, all of the chemicals in that twenty-mile stretch need to burn off. The city of Deer Park notes that allowing the fire to burn itself out is the safest course of action, with firefighters already acting to prevent nearby homes from burning down from the intense heat. The pipeline owner, Energy Transfer, expects the fire to burn itself out within the next few days. Air monitoring is being carried out in the area, which has shown no evidence of health issues at this point.

Power Outage Caused by the Blast

The blast and resulting fire damaged or destroyed electrical lines and equipment owned by CenterPoint Energy that were in the vicinity of the incident. As a result, 4,000 people were reportedly left without power following the initial explosion. CenterPoint Energy reported that the company is cooperating with first responders and plans to send repair crews to assess and address the damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Restoring electricity for those impacted by the fire is a priority.

Legal Options for Those Affected by the Explosion

If you or a loved one has been affected by this or a similar incident, whether through injury or loss of life, it’s important to seek legal guidance. The Doan Law Firm specializes in helping individuals navigate the complexities of incidents like the Deer Park pipeline explosion, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation by calling (800) 835- 0000, and let us fight for you during this difficult time.