• Large fire engulfs a chemical processing unit in Texas, no injuries reported

• Emergency crews bring flames under control while monitoring air quality

A massive fire broke out Thursday evening at a chemical plant operated by LyondellBasell near Pasadena, Texas.

Thick smoke and towering flames filled the sky, prompting a large-scale emergency response from multiple agencies, but no injuries were reported.

Authorities said the fire was reported around 9 p.m. at one of the chemical processing units within the Bayport Choate industrial complex, confirming that all personnel on site were safe.

The blaze burned for several hours overnight, with smoke and flames visible from miles away, before officials announced early Friday morning that the fire was largely under control. Emergency and industrial response teams remained on site to monitor the situation.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, and an official investigation is expected once the fire is fully extinguished and the site secured.

La Porte’s emergency management office said nearby residents were not required to take precautions, and no evacuation or shelter-in-place orders were issued.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reported that responders worked to close a valve releasing a mix of chemicals, noting that the burning materials did not pose a risk to surrounding communities. Pollution control authorities monitored air quality and detected no concerning levels, deploying seven stations around the plant for continuous measurements during the response.

LyondellBasell stated that its emergency response teams were immediately activated and authorities notified, emphasizing that the safety of workers, the surrounding community, and the environment was their top priority.

The Bayport Choate complex is a major industrial facility producing chemicals used in everyday products such as paint, car parts, furniture, shampoo, fuel, and antifreeze.