Officials: Pipeline fire erupts in La Porte after SUV struck pipeline valve

HOUSTON ( KIAH ) — The La Porte Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reporting that a pipeline fire has erupted near the 8700 block of Spencer Highway Monday morning. A fire along a pipeline in Deer Park began at 9:55 a.m. this morning and continues to have impacts in the city of La Porte.

Schools, businesses and residents are all impacted in many ways and people nearby are urged to evacuate. When the explosion first happened, more than 50 houses immediately evacuated according to Deer Park Police. La Porte, Pasadena, Houston, Deer Park are just some of the emergency agencies responding to more evacuations and attending to areas where many are wondering about when they will be able to return home.

Pasadena dispatched a drone unit for a birds eye view of the scene. More than 100 emergency units responded to the scene.

Area officials have established the following reduced area near the fire for evacuation:

The cause of why it ignited and caught fire is under undetermined and under investigation. The pipeline fire site is owned by Energy Transfer out of Dallas, City of Deer Park officials said. Energy Transfer told officials the fire is contained to this isolated spot. The company also confirmed with officials, including Mayor of Deer Park Jerry Mouton, Jr., that the chemical burning is a Y-grade liquid natural gas. The pipeline has been cut off. However, it could burn for hours or until Tuesday.

At this point, one firefighter was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Office of Emergency Management continues to gathering information and at this time.

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