A massive pipeline fire broke out in the suburban area of La Porte, Texas, causing chaos and prompting evacuations on Monday. The fire, which started at 9:55 a.m., has engulfed the area in flames, sparking grass fires and burning power poles.
Authorities are currently battling the blaze, which has sent a towering plume of fire high into the sky. The exact contents of the pipeline are unknown at this time, and efforts to shut it down are underway.
Video footage from the scene shows a park near the fire sustaining damage, with firefighters working to protect nearby homes and businesses, including a Walmart. Residents in the Brookglen neighborhood have been ordered to evacuate as a precaution.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unclear, and emergency responders are working diligently to contain the situation. The presence of power lines near the fire has resulted in nearly 4,700 customers in Harris County being left without power.
CenterPoint Energy has confirmed that the fire is not related to their natural gas operations or equipment. The company is closely monitoring the situation and is cooperating with first responders to ensure public safety.
Officials are urging the public to avoid the affected area and follow the directions of law enforcement. Once the area is deemed safe, electric crews will assess the damage to power lines and equipment, with the goal of restoring service to impacted customers promptly and safely.
