Pasadena Fire Department statement about the fire yesterday at the INEOS petrochemical facility.
Around 12:15pm this afternoon, the Pasadena Fire Department was activated for a CIMA response near the intersection of state highway 225 and Sam Houston Parkway at INEOS petrochemical facility. For context, CIMA (Channel Industries Mutual Aid) is variety of both municipal and industrial emergency services from around the Greater Houston Area which provide resources during any large-scale emergencies along the Houston Ship Channel. First units on scene reported heavy fire and smoke conditions from a large petrochemical complex. Initial crews were assigned to the “Hot Zone” to isolate the fuel source of the fire. Pasadena Fire crews were assigned to assist those crews. The incident is believed to have been a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) which is a phenomenon associated with liquified petroleum gas (LPG) storage tanks involved in fire conditions causing an overpressure of storage tanks. There is one reported injury transported by EMS and is listed as stable. Harris County Pollution Control reports there was no hazard to the public from this incident. This incident is under investigation by the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and neighboring agencies.
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