March 9, 2004
Firefighters from Pasadena and beyond had their hands full Tuesday when a warehouse went up in flames early Tuesday morning and continued to burn through the lunch hour, News2Houston reported.
Environmental concerns had some nearby residents observing a shelter-in-place warning due to the thick black smoke caused by pesticide chemicals inside the warehouse that caught on fire.
Some polling locations were also relocated because of shelter-in-place warning.
The fire started with an explosion around 5:15 a.m. at a warehouse in the 5900 block of Genoa-Red Bluff owned by Controlled Solutions near Genoa Red Bluff and Old Red Bluff Road.
Company officials told News2Houston the warehouse stored pesticide products used for gardening.
Flames smoldered around 1 p.m. as fire crews neared the end of an 8-hour battle with the blaze.
Officials called a shelter-in-place alert around 8 a.m. for the communities of Taylor Lake, El Jardin, El Lago, Seabrook and Shoreacres. All of those communities are southeast of the plant.
Most of the students in the area are not in school; however, Clear Creek Independent School District schools are in session and were told to observe the shelter-in-place warning.
Bayport Industries, which is directly south of the plant, was also told to observe the alert.
Baywood Country Club still remains under a shelter-in-place alert due to a shift in winds.
Fire officials do not believe the fire is a hazard to the community but the heavy black smoke rising from the flames is a concern.
News2Houston reported that a Control Solutions manager was inside a building next door to the one on fire when the flames erupted. He managed to escape safely.
Pasadena officials called for help from Seabrook, Deer Park and other chemical plant fire crews around 7 a.m. Foam trucks were called to the scene around 8:30 a.m.
"What the fire department is trying to do is kind of use water sparingly because they don't want too much runoff getting into the streets," Pasadena Police Department spokesman Martin DeLeon said.
Officials had the fire under control by 10 a.m.; however, the fire continued to burn inside and a black plume of smoke continued to rise from the warehouse.
About 125 firefighters remained on the scene at 12:15 p.m. trying to extinguish the fire.
Air quality officials collected samples around the area.
"They are expected to arrive back to the command center at about noon at the earliest. But at this point, until we hear from the (Environment Protection Agency) and another environmental company, the shelter-in-place will remain in effect," DeLeon said.
No injuries have been reported.
Officials closed Old Red Bluff Road. Traffic delays were reported at Old Red Bluff Red and Genoa-Red Bluff.
Voting Locations Near Warehouse Fire Relocated
Some polling locations near the warehouse fire have been relocated.
Democrat Precincts 90, 415, 377, 703, 692 and 333 and Republic Precincts 90, 290 and 377 have been moved to the Pasadena City Hall.
The polls will be opened until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Shelter-In-Place Order
Emergency crews issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.
When a shelter-in-place is issued, residents should:
* Go inside
* Shut all doors and windows
* Turn off air conditioners and heaters to prevent outside air from getting inside
* Stay off the phone
* Do not use fireplaces. Put out fires and close all dampers.
* Move to a room with the fewest windows and doors. Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans and vents using plastic sheeting or garbage bags, if directed.
* Turn on the radio or television to listen for further instructions
Families are advised to have the following items in a shelter-in-place kit.
* Two rolls of duct tape
* Cloth and paper towels
* Plastic sheets or trash bags
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Battery-powered radio
* Two gallons of water
* Nonperishable foods
If your eyes, nose or throat become irritated, protect your breathing by covering your mouth with a damp cloth, take frequent shallow breaths and stay calm.
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