Residents Return to Deer Park After Pipeline Fire
DEER PARK, Texas — Residents who had to evacuate their homes because of a large pipeline fire near Houston are now back to inspect the damage caused by the blaze. The fire broke out on Monday, September 16, and burned for four days before finally being extinguished on Thursday evening, September 19.
Investigation Launched as Fire Diminishes
As authorities announced the fire was under control, they confirmed they are conducting a criminal investigation into the incident. Officials shared that human remains were discovered inside an SUV that was found close to the fire following an explosion. Investigators noted that the fire started when the driver of the SUV crashed through a fence near a Walmart parking lot and struck an above-ground valve connected to the pipeline.
City officials described the incident as an accident, stating that there is no evidence of a coordinated attack or terrorism involved. “This has developed into a criminal investigation and will be actively ongoing until more information is available,” the city said in a statement.
Residents Assess Damage
After spending days away from their homes, many residents returned to find heartbreaking damage. Diane Hutto, a local resident, expressed feelings of devastation as she looked at her home, which had been affected by the water used to control the flames. “Everything is just soaking wet. It smells bad. I don’t think there’s really anything we can salvage at this point,” she said, noting that her home’s ceiling had started to collapse due to water damage.
In her backyard, she discovered a shed had partially melted from the fire’s intense heat, and nearby mailboxes and vehicles showed signs of being damaged. Other residents reported broken windows and other minor damages but felt fortunate compared to those who sustained more severe losses.
Community Reactions
Local resident Robert Blair returned to find his property had only minor damage, but he acknowledged the situation could have been much worse. He expressed concerns about safety measures around the pipeline area, stating, “If they had better security, I don’t think this would have happened.”
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that nearly 1,000 homes were evacuated following the fire’s early stages. Nearby schools also advised students to shelter in place due to the hazardous situation. Residents began returning to their homes on Wednesday evening after authorities declared the fire under control.
Future Safety Considerations
Harris County officials, including Judge Lina Hidalgo, are considering implementing stricter regulations for pipeline safety in light of this incident. “We will look at whether we can require companies like Energy Transfer to install better security measures,” Hidalgo stated. Some residents expressed a desire to feel safer in their community, with Hutto stating, “I don’t think I want to live here anymore. I’m just too scared to stay here.”
Houston is known as a center for the petrochemical industry, often experiencing incidents involving pipelines and refineries. While air quality monitoring showed no immediate danger during the fire, the fear of future accidents remains prevalent among residents.
Concluding Remarks
As the community begins to heal from this frightening event, residents are left grappling with the impacts on their lives and properties. The investigation is ongoing, and rebuilding will take time, but the resolve of this community to come together and support one another is clear.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
