Shell Deer Park Industrial Fire

UPDATE: 5.8.2023 at 9:00 AMUPDATED SHELL DEER PARK MEDIA LINE - (832) 734-8728 All media requests, please direct our calls to the updated Shell Deer Park media line. 

UPDATE: 5.7.2023 at 7:30 PMThe City of Deer Park continues to communicate with Shell Deer Park.
If you have media inquiries, please contact the Shell media line at (832) 337-4355.

"The re-ignited fire at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility has not yet been extinguished, however it has been contained to a controlled zone.  
After the rain event this afternoon, a light sheen was observed in a small slip located outside of the precautionary boom.  The location of the sheen is not in the path of the controlled discharge but we have deployed additional clean-up crews to the area. 
Unified Command has been established at the Shell Deer Park Chemicals complex, with the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and other authorities jointly responding along with Shell Chemicals to this incident, the 008 Outfall Response.
On the morning of May 7, wastewater containment was nearing capacity in on-site storage ponds. In preparation for the incoming weather, runoff water was directed to the Houston Ship Channel as part of a controlled discharge. As a precaution, boom has been deployed to prevent any product from entering the channel.
The facility continues to use a large amount of water to control the fire at the facility. Water continues to be added to nearby retention ponds with an expectation that when the fire is extinguished, large volumes will still be needed to cool equipment for up to 36 hours.
Air monitoring is ongoing and has not detected any harmful levels of chemicals affecting neighboring communities. There is no danger to the nearby community, however residents and neighbors may notice black smoke, flaring and increased noise from the facility.
Our immediate priorities remain the safety of people and the environment."


UPDATE: 5.7.2023 at 2:46 PMThe City of Deer Park is continuing to communicate with Shell Deer Park. As updates become available, we will notify the public accordingly.
As it stands, the most current information was released by Shell Deer Park at 9:40 AM.
Please continue to follow the Deer Park Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter and the City of Deer Park website for the latest information.
Thank you for your understanding as we work with our industry partners to get you timely information.
If you have a media request, please direct all questions to the Shell media line at (832) 337-4355.

UPDATE: 5.7.2023 at 9:40 AMPlease see the below update from Shell Deer Park:
“As a result of the large amount of water required to control the fire at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility, wastewater storage capacity has been exceeded, and runoff water is being directed to the channel as part of a controlled discharge. As a precaution, boom has been deployed to prevent any product from entering the channel.  
Water continues to be added to nearby retention ponds with an expectation that when the fire is extinguished, large volumes will still be needed to cool equipment for up to 36 hours.
Air monitoring is ongoing and has not detected any harmful levels of chemicals affecting neighboring communities. There is no danger to the nearby community, however residents and neighbors may notice black smoke, flaring and increased noise from the facility.
Our immediate priorities remain the safety of people and the environment.”

UPDATE: 5.6.2023 at 7:48 PMPlease see the below statement from Harris County:

"The incident at Shell Deer Park is ongoing, and county resources remain onsite (HCOHSEM Industrial Liaison, HCFMO Hazmat, and HCPC). The site continues to report that there have been no injuries. Shell has advised the fire is contained to the area, and intermittent flare-ups may occur. Operations continue to focus on cooling and environmental mitigation to include proper containment of firefighting water. Additional updates will be provided as available."

For all further updates, please visit the Deer Park Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.

UPDATE: 5.6.2023 at 6:00 PM

To view the Harris County Pollution Control’s air monitoring map, please visit https://t.co/7XTQC5QAeP

UPDATE: 5.6.2023 at 6:00 PM

The City of Deer Park is continuing to communicate with Shell Deer Park and Harris County representatives.
See below message from Harris County:
“At about 3:14 PM, the remaining product at Shell Chemical reignited. All employees and contractors are accounted for with no injuries reported.
Air monitoring is ongoing and has not detected any harmful levels of chemicals affecting neighboring communities. Shell reports there is no danger to the nearby community, but black smoke, flaring, and a potential for increased noise may be noticeable to the community. Updates will be provided as available.”

UPDATE: 5.6.2023 at 5:00 PM

The City of Deer Park is staying in communication with Shell Deer Park. We are aware that the fire has reignited. There is no danger to the community at this time.
Please see the below press release from Shell Deer Park.
“Earlier today, we announced that the fire at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility had been extinguished. Emergency response crews remained active to monitor for hot spots. At approximately 3:14 p.m. this afternoon, the remaining product reignited. Response crews are responding to the fire and Channel Industries Mutual Aid was called in an abundance of caution. All employees and contractors are accounted for with no injuries reported. 
Air monitoring is ongoing and has not detected any harmful levels of chemicals affecting neighboring communities. There is no danger to the nearby community however residents and neighbors will notice black smoke, flaring and a potential for increased noise from the facility.
Our immediate priorities remain the safety of people and the environment.”

UPDATE: 5.6.2023 at 11:00 AM

Update: Please see the below statement from Shell Deer Park.

“The fire at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility has been extinguished.  We are continuing to monitor the affected area for hot spots that could reignite. 

Air monitoring continues, and no harmful levels of chemicals have been detected.

There is no danger to the nearby community.

Our immediate priorities remain the safety of people and the environment. We continue to work in cooperation with local and state agencies. 

The cause of the fire will be the subject of a future investigation.”

UPDATE: 5.5.2023 at 6:09 PM

Update: The below statement was provided by Shell Deer Park.
"At approximately 2:56 PM CST a fire started at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility in the olefins unit. The ignited product includes cracked heavy gas oil, cracked light gas oil and gasoline. No injuries have been reported, though a small number of contract employees who were exposed to product are undergoing medical evaluation as a precaution.

Emergency responders are on scene and working to put out the fire. The cause of the fire will be the subject of a future investigation, but our main priorities remain the safety of people and the environment."

UPDATE: 5.5.2023 at 4:21 PM

Update: At this time, Shell Deer Park is advising that a Shelter-In-Place is not necessary, at this time. At information arises, we will provide updates to social media accounts and the City of Deer Park website at http://ow.ly/VR3Y50Ohs2y

UPDATE: 5.5.2023 at 4:07 PM

Citizen Advisory: There is no Shelter-In-Place at this time. The City of Deer Park is aware of an industrial fire north of Highway 225. The City is staying in communication with Shell - Deer Park as they conduct air monitoring of the area.