Chemical Fire at Baytown Facility Triggers HazMat Response

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m., Baytown Fire Department crews responded to a brush fire in the 6400 block of N. Main St. Upon arrival, it was determined that chemicals from Bluebonnet Petrochemical Solutions (BPS) had ignited, prompting a box alarm for a hazardous materials response.

Fire crews quickly initiated suppression operations, and as a precaution, a shelter-in-place order was issued for Alamo Elementary School until the fire was brought under control.

The chemicals involved in the fire were identified as methyl palmitate (MeP) and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. Air monitoring was conducted, and no threat to the public was detected. Environmental agencies have been notified of the incident.

N. Main St. has since been reopened. No injuries were reported. The Baytown Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.