The fire that caught ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant on Wednesday around 11 a.m. is contained now as reported by the statement released by the company on Thursday. The fire was so mammoth that it has engulfed a vast area and was visible from a faraway space too. It was also notified that the affected unit was shut down while the other complex including the refinery is now operating but cautiously as reduced rates.
Cause And Injuries From Fire In ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant
The cause of the fire is not in knowledge yet, and investigations are on in order to find the cause behind the fire. Officials brought to the knowledge that 66 workers and contractors were checked up at an occupation health clinic. Among them, some have received the treatment too. Exxon said that it’s all workers who went through medical evaluation or first aid have been allowed to return to work.
The Unit That Caught Fire
The unit where the fire was extinguished used to process Light hydrocarbons including propane and propylene. Polypropylene used for various product making and is a thermoplastic. Reusable food containers or beverage bottle caps are some products in which we can found it.
Shelter In Place
The procession of this thermoplastic led ExxonMobil to ask for shelter in place. The same was issued for areas west of the plant and south of 330. But around 3 p.m. Wednesday, it was lifted. The areas under Shelter in Place were Goose Creek ISD facilities: GC Service Center, Robert E. Lee High School, Peter E. Hyland, IMPACT ECHS, San Jacinto Elementary, Travis Elementary, and Baytown Junior.
No Adverse Impact On Environment
On Wednesday afternoon Jason Duncan from ExxonMobil told that there is no adverse impact on the environment because of the fire. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management came up with a joint statement that notified about air quality. It said “Harris County Pollution Control is responding to the fire at the Exxon refinery in Baytown and will be collecting real-time air-quality information. Baytown emergency management and its fire department are on standby.”