This browser does not support the Video element.
Smoke still billows from Valero plant in Port Arthur after explosion
This smoke was seen rising from the scene of an explosion and fire at the Valero plant in Port Arthur, Texas, on Monday night.
PORT ARTHUR, Texas - Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place for a portion of Port Arthur following an explosion Monday.
What we know:
According to officials, the explosion occurred at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur.
The Port Arthur Fire Department advised residents who live on the west side of Port Arthur to shelter-in-place.
A post on the City of Port Arthur Facebook page said residents in the following areas should shelter in place until the all clear is given:
- From Stilwell west.
- South of Hwy 73.
- Sabine Pass.
- Pleasure Island.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Smoke still billows from Valero plant in Port Arthur after explosion
This smoke was seen rising from the scene of an explosion and fire at the Valero plant in Port Arthur, Texas, on Monday night.
Residents in the surrounding areas are being strongly encouraged to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed and follow guidance from local officials.
Port Arthur officials said to expect road closures in and around the area of Highway 82 and Highway 87 and traffic coming into the area from additional roadways.
Sheriff Zena Stephens told FOX Beaumont the explosion was likely caused by an industrial heater.
Officials also told FOX Beaumont that there were no reported injuries.
What they're saying:
Valero said in a statement that all personnel have been accounted for.
"Valero's emergency response team is responding and coordinating with local authorities," the company said in a statement. "As a precaution, Jefferson County officials have closed State Highways 82 and 87. As always, the safety of our workers is our top priority."
This browser does not support the Video element.
AERIAL VIDEO: Pilot captures fire at Port Arthur Valero plant
A pilot in the area of the Port Arthur Valero plant captured the fire that occurred on Monday afternoon.
Both the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have personnel at the scene.
TCEQ said in a statement that teams are monitoring air quality at the site.
"Emergency response coordinators and regional staff have been deployed with handheld and mobile air monitoring assets in response to the Valero fire in Port Arthur, TX and are coordinating activities through incident command." TCEQ spokesperson Laura Lopez said in a statement. "Updates will be shared on our social media channels (Facebook and X) as they become available."
The Source: Information in this story came from reporting by FOX Beaumont and FOX Local.