LIVE La Porte fire: Firefighters, families, and current status
LA PORTE, Texas - A massive pipeline fire in La Porte, sparked by a vehicle crashing into a gas valve, has been burning for nearly 24 hours. The explosion, affecting a 20-inch natural gas liquids pipeline near Spencer Highway and Summerton, caused significant disruption to the community. Emergency responders received a call about the fire just before 10:00 a.m. Monday morning.
Firefighters are still on the scene, using over a million gallons of water to protect homes, but two houses have already been declared total losses. Families have been displaced, and the intense heat has melted several cars.
The City of La Porte Police Department says Spencer Highway between Underwood Road and East Boulevard has been reopened but it remains closed between East Boulevard and Luella Boulevard.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo released this statement:
My team and I continue to be in ongoing contact with first responders at the scene of the fire and to help with any additional necessary resources. Currently, the fire is still burning, but the good news is that the pressure within the pipeline is continuously dropping, which means we are getting closer to the fire going out.
Energy Transfer has said they are currently working to isolate the part of the pipeline closest to the burn by "clamping" the pipeline at the south side of the burn.
CenterPoint is working to secure the transmission lines on the north side of the fire along the pipeline right of way outside of the explosion zone. Once those heavy lines have been secured, Energy Transfer will be able to block the north side of the pipeline. CenterPoint is also working to secure the distribution lines running east to west on Spencer Highway to ensure those power lines will not be affected as equipment moves in to finish the job.
Once both sides of the pipeline have been clamped, Energy Transfer has said they will verify that there is no product remaining.
Harris County Pollution Control continues to monitor the air. Once Energy Transfer has clamped the valve, Harris County Hazmat and Harris County Pollution Control, with aid from state and local partners, will conduct air monitoring for natural gas and other potentially harmful substances to make sure that no excess product is entering the community or affecting first responders working the scene.
We are thankful to Houston Hazmat, who are responding to calls for service in our stead so our resources can focus on the scene. Harris County Pollution Control is also leveraging TCEQ resources so there is enough equipment to complete all the monitoring and determine the air is safe for residents to return to their homes.
As part of reentry, first responders will go door to door in the evacuated communities to make sure once again that all people and animals are evacuated from the area and to confirm there are no additional fires in homes. Once firefighters inspect the nearby houses for safety concerns, the pipeline is clamped, and our officials determine air quality is safe, residents will be able to return to their homes.
Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s Precinct 2 engineers are also reviewing the integrity of Spencer Highway given the highway has been exposed to heat from the fire for over a day. First responders, along with our Office of Emergency Management, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Harris County Health Department and Pollution Control, remain activated and working until the fire is out.
Thank you to the various agencies and first responders who have been working day and night to help contain the fire and help keep residents safe throughout this incident."
Resources available
Energy Transfer, the company operating the pipeline, says it’s handling claims for those affected. The company says they are addressing the needs of affected landowners by providing lodging at area hotels which will continue until evacuation orders are lifted.
Homeowners seeking assistance are instructed to call 855-430-4491 or email laporteresponse@energytransfer.com. They will need to provide their name, phone number, address, and details of the assistance needed. Energy Transfer will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
How to retrieve your vehicle after evacuation from Walmart?
The blazes from the pipeline fire were visible at a nearby Walmart.
If you were taken from the Walmart parking lot and need to pick up your vehicle, you can now do so. Just head south on East Blvd and stop at the checkpoint where someone will direct you to your car. When you leave, you'll need to head north out of the parking lot.
What caused this?
The fire started when a car left a nearby Walmart parking lot and crashed into an above-ground valve, triggering the explosion. The vehicle, now charred, is still under investigation, though authorities have ruled out terrorism. Four people, including one firefighter, have been injured.
How long will this fire burn?
Emergency crews are in a waiting game as the chemical Y Grade NGL continues to burn off. There’s no clear timeline for when the fire will be completely out. Energy Transfer has isolated the line to allow the chemical to burn off safely. Air quality is being monitored, and so far, no major issues have been reported.
Are schools open today?
La Porte ISD schools are open, but parents are encouraged to prioritize their family’s safety as the situation develops. After canceling classes on Monday, San Jacinto College Central Campus will re-open on Tuesday for scheduled classes, operations, and activities. There is no fire on campus and officials say the campus is safe for employees and students to return.
Overnight footage of pipeline fire
Continuing coverage
The pipeline explosion in La Porte was reported just before 10:00 a.m. (Photo: A. T. Olson Photography, Andrew T. Olson)