4/7/21 – There is an active situation occurring at the K-Solv Chemicals facility located in Channelview, TX. All employees are safe and accounted for. Firefighters and response crews are responding to the scene. We are monitoring the air quality and will have updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/XbhpnE3Noq
— K-Solv (@k_solv) April 7, 2021
The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office says no injuries have been reported. Officials later added that one person sought medical treatment for respiratory issues. A shelter-in-place order has now been lifted for Lakeside Park Estates and Lakeview Homes, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
NEW: The chemical fire in Channelview has been put out (although there is always a chance of reignition) and the shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. Harris County Pollution Control will be air monitoring overnight. Our Fire Marshal has begun the investigation.
— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) April 8, 2021
WATCH: Officials update the cause of the fire at press conference
The blaze that broke out at about 4 p.m. sent a huge plume of thick, black smoke over eastern Harris County. At the height of the blaze, the smoke was so thick it was even visible on doppler radar.
Deer Park's Office of Emergency Management tweeted that the smoke is not impacting their city.
The City is aware of a large, black cloud originating in the Channelview area that is visible from the Deer Park area. At this time, there is no impact to Deer Park. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
— DeerParkOEM (@deerparkoem) April 7, 2021
Harris County's Pollution Control Services Department shows real-time air quality monitoring on their website.
According to the fire marshal's office, known chemicals on site include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid, acetone, ethanol, ethylene dichloride, and other acids. Air monitoring is taking place, and they said they have found no actionable levels.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, told ABC13 that they are gathering information and deploying an emergency response coordinator to the scene to assess the situation.
Residents in the area report hearing a loud noise just before sirens went off.
Traffic is being impacted in the area. Some local streets, including Lakeside, Northshore, De Zavalla Road and Harding Street, have shut down according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, drivers are slowing on the East Freeway where the smoke is blowing over the road.
Our units are assisting with traffic control and perimeter security. Some streets being closed include: Lakeside, Northshore, Hardy, De Zavala. cc: @hcfmo #HouNews https://t.co/FGQJKidwAu
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 7, 2021
