Intercontinetal Tank Company Deer Park, TX

[Redman]

A fire started yesterday around noon according to some reports, it's still burning. The smoke can be seen for miles around. Looks like they are letting it burn while trying to limit the affected area.

https://www.click2houston.com/news/fire-reported-inside-itc-deer-park-facility-day-after-exxon-plant-fire

[Redman]

Local ABC station saying there is Naptha, Zylene, and Toluene that they know of that are burning.

[JakeG]

It’s still burning and likely will be for a couple of days. The wind is in my favor this week, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the area (30min away).

[JakeG]

I’m surprised citizens were informed on the basics of “shelter in place”. See Facebook post from ReadyHarris.org

 https://www.facebook.com/165645640125507/posts/2228741773815873?sfns=mo

[Redman]

It’s still burning and likely will be for a couple of days. The wind is in my favor this week, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the area (30min away).

I just saw the 2 days thing. The fire is almost directly NNE of me but maybe 30/45 minutes by freeway. The east wind has been good.

[Redman]

Going into the 3d day still burning. The wind is expected to turn to the south so that puts another large area under the smoke plume. No estimation that I've seen on when it will be put out.

[Redman]

Local news is saying all fires were put out over night. The wind has changed and the remaining smoke will move southward mostly over Galveston Bay.

[Stwood]

Red, was that over on the west side of 146? Over by the freezer warehouses...

[Redman]

West of 146 yes. Freezer warehouses I'm not sure. There are a couple close to I-10 and several that could have been in the smoke plume. Preferred Freezer Services has the most and closest judging by Google stuff.

[Stwood]

Preferred Freezer Services has the most and closest judging by Google stuff.

That's usually where I ended up at when in that area. That and another older one down and across the road, next to that Conoco? truck stop. Then there was some battleship across the road there somewhere.

[Redman]

Google Earth says the ITC facility is on the west side of Independence Parkway, last place before you get to the battleship and there is a truck stop on the west side close to 225, couldn't tell what brand or if there were any tanks in that area.

The Battleship Texas is pretty cool. I've been feeling a need to go out there for a couple years, been going there periodically for probably 60 years. Gad that makes me feel old. Got to get someone to stay with wife, she can't do the climbing.

This link to the ship says it is closed due to the fire so that must be facility on fire.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/battleship-texas

https://battleshiptexas.org/

[Redman]

Well the fat lady hasn't sung yet.

Hwy 225 from Beltway 8 to 146 is completely closed due to a shelter in place. "Action" levels of benzene being reported.

I think Fairmont Parkway is the next best route from LaPorte. That ought to be a fun trip. 

[Stwood]

Gad, 225 being closed down there would be a mess.
Yes, the battleship was across the way therefrom where I turned to get to the freezer.
Always figured I'd have time to go check it out someday while in the area, but never had time. And then, cruising down there in a Semi usually isn't a good idea, especially if you can't turn around. 

[Redman]

Shame you never had the time. Much has been closed or not available without a hardhat and special guided tour but still very interesting. The parking lot is big enough for a Semi to turn around or just circle the lot and out you just can't tell from the road.