Series of explosions, fire tears through Texas oil field chemical supplier by The Associated Press, August 14, 2015
The explosions tore through the DrillChem in Conroe, about 40 miles north of Houston, about 4:30 p.m. Friday. A fire sent a broad, dense column of thick, black smoke towering into the otherwise blue skies, making it visible for miles.
Shelter in place issued after explosions, fire at Conroe plant by KHOU.com, August 14, 2015
CONROE, Texas — A series of explosions triggered a huge 3-alarm fire at the DrillChem plant in Conroe Friday afternoon.
The first explosion was felt around 4:40 p.m. at the plant on Loop 336 near Hwy 105, according to Conroe police.
A shelter in place has been issued for anyone within a two-mile radius of the plant.
Firefighters also advised residents to turn off their air conditioners and keep doors and windows closed.
There’s no word of injuries.
Police shut down nearby roads and South Loop 336 was closed, according to Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams.
More than 50 firefighters were on the scene, along with a Hazmat team from The Woodlands.
They didn’t start putting water on the flames until just before 6 p.m. Williams said they were likely letting the fire burn down in case hazardous chemicals or materials were involved.
“Sometimes the best plan of attack may be not any attack at all,” Williams said. “They don’t want to do anything to endanger firefighters.”
Thick black smoke could be seen from miles away.
DrillChem is an oil industry supply company that creates sealants, shale inhibitors and lubricants, according to their website. [Emphasis added]
