At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, a fire started at the LyondellBasell plant in Pasadena. According to law enforcement reports on the incident, two tanks caught on fire but no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze. Everyone present at the plant when the fire broke out has been accounted for.

What We Know About the Incident

The fire was reported at the LyondellBasell chemical process unit off Chaote Road by Bay Area Boulevard. Initially, the fire was reported as “flaring,” but approximately 45 minutes after the first emergency calls came in officials reported that flames and smoke were visible at the facility. First responders were able to quickly get a handle on the situation and control the blaze. By 2 or 3 a.m. on Friday morning, first responders handed the scene over to the plant operators. Eyewitness News crews reported seeing heavy flaring at the facility throughout the night, and a news helicopter reported seeing small flames that seemed contained coming from the plant.

Is There a Present Danger to the Community?

While residents that live near the plant may understandably be concerned about the chemicals being released by the plant during and following the blaze, ongoing air monitoring by the Harris County Pollution Control has revealed nothing to be concerned about. Officials state that the public does not need to take any actions at this time. Flames and smoke may continue to be visible as efforts to contain the situation continue.

What Caused the LyondellBasell Fire?

The plant’s operators are still trying to determine why the fire began. Once the situation is fully resolved, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office plans to investigate the cause of the blaze. The latest update on the fire was that first responders were working to close a valve releasing a mix of multiple chemicals.

LyondellBasell’s Statement Following the Blaze

FOX 26 reported the following statement by LyondellBasell following the plant fire:

“As of the early hours of March 13, we can confirm the fire occurred at LyondellBasell’s Bayport Choate site has been contained. In line with our protocol, our on-site firefighting and incident response team was activated. There were no injuries associated with this incident. All personnel are safe and accounted for and no off-site impact is expected. There is no need for action by the community.

All appropriate agencies have been notified. The safety of our employees and our neighbors remain our priority as response efforts continue. We thank our first responders for their effort in addressing the incident.”

Call the Doan Law Firm for Assistance After a Refinery Blaze

At the Doan Law Firm, we have decades of experience with industrial accidents, fires, and explosions. If you or a loved one suffered preventable harm in an industrial setting, we can fight for justice on your behalf. Call or contact us online today if you or anyone you know suffered injuries in the LyondellBasell plant fire. We offer free initial case consultations.