UPDATE: Strong mystery odor likely caused by Channelview fire, officials say

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Sunday, February 1, 2026
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The mysterious odor reported in multiple areas across Houston was likely caused by a fire that occurred in Channelview Sunday morning, the Houston Fire Department has confirmed.

ABC13 previously reported that officials with the fire department said they hadn't determined a cause. At the time, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office said a tire warehouse fire in Channelview was "a possibility (for the odor) since the wind is blowing towards the city."

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, HFD said it was coordinating with the Houston Office of Emergency Management to investigate.

The fire department initially said there were no active fires at the time, but commanders were monitoring the situation.

According to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, Channelview Fire Department crews had been working on a fire at a tire warehouse in the 15600 block of East Freeway that started at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

HCFMO said this fire was under control, with no injuries currently reported. HCFMO officials said they are investigating the cause of the fire.

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