100 Homes Evacuated Near Baytown After Lightning Strike Ignites Crude Oil Tank

BEACH CITY, TX — About 100 homes in Beach City, east of Baytown, were evacuated early Friday after a crude oil tank caught fire, officials said.

The fire erupted at about 4 a.m. in the 9800 block of Point Barrow Road. (Want to get daily updates about news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

Fire crews from various departments in Chambers County began fighting the fire shortly after it was reported.

Officials, however, were concerned about the potential for fumes from the chemicals burning inside the tank, and the smoke that could possibly affect respiratory patients, which prompted city leaders to enact an evacuation, according to a KTRK report.

Firefighters were able to gain control of the flames, and at about 7:30 a.m. the evacuation order was lifted, allowing residents to return to their homes, KPRC reported.

Officials believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike to one of the tanks.

Image: US National Archives via Flickr

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