Pipeline fire reported in La Porte, Texas

A pipeline fire is underway in La Porte, Texas, near a junction of several refined products, NGLs, chemicals, and natural gas pipelines.

The fire, which was first reported at 11:24am ET by the La Porte Office of Emergency Management via the X social media platform is near the intersection of Somerton Drive and Spencer Highway, near a dense collection of pipelines. First responders, including Harris County hazardous materials officials, were on the scene at the time of the post.

Large orange flames coming from a compressor station were visible on local news broadcasts and on social media.

The source of the fire is not immediately clear. The right of way includes a refined products pipeline system, various petrochemicals pipelines, a Shell butadiene line, a Chevron ethylene line, as well as an Energy Transfer-owned natural gas liquids (NGLs) line and an Enbridge Energy natural gas pipeline.

The city of La Porte was not immediately available for comment.

A shelter in place order has been issued for the nearby San Jacinto College campus and La Porte is recomending an evacuation between Luella and Canada roads.

By Gordon Pollock