The large fire at the Shell Chemical plant today (5-5-2023) in Deer Park has been mostly extinguished. The plant is located off Highway 225 at Center Street.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says there is no threat to the public. "This started with a heat exchange between two heavy gas oils," said Gonzalez. "The fire is diminishing."
It started around 2 PM (5-5-2023), and dark smoke could be seen miles away, with large flames. Crews responded and battled the blaze with fire hoses. Gonzalez says five contractor workers were transported to the hospital out of precaution.
"It is not anything directly related to the fire. Mainly just heat, and other stuff," he said. "It is our understanding there are no serious injuries at this time."
Gonzalez added that any residual flares seen are a result of de-pressurizing the chemical product. Officials say the materials burned were heavy gas oils, and gasoline.
The Deer Park Office of Emergency Management says that the air quality continues to be monitored and has not issued a shelter in place warning.
photo: Getty
firefighters Photo: Getty Images