Rural Texas Chemical Plant Fire Extinguished

Fire Extinguished by County Emergency Services

A fire at a rural chemical distribution plant northeast of Houston was successfully extinguished by 4 p.m. CDT (2200 GMT) on Wednesday, as confirmed by the county emergency services department.

Residents Advised to Shelter in Place

Throughout the day, residents within one mile of Sound Resource Solutions located 61 miles (99 km) northeast of Houston were advised to shelter in their homes and businesses. This precaution was taken as crews worked to extinguish burning chemicals contained in trucks and buildings at the plant in a rural area near Shepherd, Texas.

Shelter-in-Place Orders Issued

Towns near the large black smoke plume rising from the fire also issued shelter-in-place orders for part of the day, ensuring the safety of the local residents.

Fire Origin and Worker Injury

The fire at the plant began after a worker operating a forklift noticed chemicals leaking from a container. The forklift operator was injured in the fire and taken to a Houston hospital for treatment of minor burns.

Facility Operations and Highway Closure

About 19 people were working at the facility when the fire began shortly after 8 a.m. All had been accounted for. Sound Resource Solutions blends, packages, and distributes oilfield and other industrial chemicals, leading to the temporary closure of U.S. Highway 59 between Shepherd and Livingston, Texas.

History of Chemical Plant Incidents

Rural Texas communities have been frequent sites of chemical plant explosions and fires, with several incidents resulting in casualties and injuries over the past decade.

It is important to note that the safety of residents and workers is paramount in such incidents, and prompt action from emergency services plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of these events.