Fire at Decommissioned Power Plant in Bacliff Area Weakens, Smoldering Continues

Fire Outbreak and Initial Response

• 🚨 A massive fire broke out around 2:30 AM at the old PH Robinson power plant in Bacliff.
• 🚒 Firefighters have been working for over 14 hours to control the blaze at the decommissioned facility.
• 💥 One building collapsed, indicating the significant extent of the damage.

Smoke Impact and Precautions

• 💨 Heavy smoke plumes were visible from various locations, including Bay Cliff, Alvin, and KMA.
• ⚠️ As a precaution, authorities issued a temporary shelter-in-place order for residents in San Leon due to the thick smoke.
• 🏠 Residents in nearby neighborhoods reported hazy conditions and the smell of smoke, with advice to stay indoors and seal windows.

Current Status and Ongoing Monitoring

• 🔥 The fire at the power plant has weakened considerably since the morning.
• ⏳ Officials expect the site to continue smoldering for several more days.
• 🔬 Hazmat teams are on-site for cleanup and continuous monitoring of the area.

Fire Safety and Resident Concerns

• ⚠️ The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
• 🚫 No injuries have been reported, and the decommissioned plant had no active electrical or gas connections.
• 🌳 Concerns were raised about fire risk due to dry conditions and surrounding vegetation, though the wind direction played a role.

Safety Guidelines During Smoke Events

• 🔒 Residents are advised to get inside, shut and lock all doors and windows, and turn off air-pulling systems.
• 🚪 Sealing gaps with towels or sheets and moving to a room without windows can help prevent smoke intrusion.
• 📰 Staying informed through official updates is crucial during such events.