UPDATE: Late Friday evening, another fire started at the Arkema chemical plant in north east Houston (a chemical storage trailer exploded there on Thursday) inside of two trailers housing organic peroxides used to make plastics and other materials. There are six more trailers like this that might also explode. 1
Authorities are requesting people continue to stay aware from the area as it is still too volatile and unpredictable.
The smoke from the burning chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and lungs.
End of Update
Early this morning, a chemical plant near Houston- damaged by flooding from Hurricane Harvey- suffered two explosions that sent a huge plume of black smoke into the air and triggered “an intense fire” 2 that has continued to burn. Authorities are warning that there might still be more explosions on site since the chemicals haven’t been stored at the proper temperature since the facility lost power.
“Without power or backup generators running at the site, the organic peroxides stored inside nine containers — described as 18-wheeler box vans — warmed to dangerous levels, officials said. Arkema Group, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, had warned Wednesday that the plant would catch fire at some point — adding that there was nothing to stop it.” 3
The explosion and resulting fire sent a plume of smoke about 30 to 40 feet into the air and no one is sure how long it might be before the rest of the chemicals in the remaining containers degrade (and potentially explode as well). What is known is that the smoke itself is potentially dangerous. However, Richard Rennard, of the Arkema Group was quick to point out that there is no danger. And then followed that comment up with, “I don’t know the composition of the smoke.” So…
(The plant manufactures organic peroxides used in products like kitchen countertops, industrial paints, polystyrene cups and plates, and PVC piping. Nothing I want to inhale after it’s been set on fire.)
Becuase the smoke coming from the facility irritated the eyes and throats of more than a dozen law enforcement officers who were there to monitor the scene (some of whom went to the hospital out of precaution) officials are now monitoring the air to try and determine which direction the smoke might go. Currently, a 1.5-mile radius has been set up and officials feel it’s more than adequate to keep people safe.
The National Guard is on the scene and the Department of Homeland Security has a working command post near the site, as well.
