Today, ExxonMobil Olefins Plant in Baytown caught on fire and a shelter-in-place has been issued for residents living west of the plant and south of Highway 330.

The company said six people have sustained non-life threatening injuries, such as first-degree and minor burns.

The precautionary shelter-in-place order affects the following schools:

• Robert E. Lee High School
• Goose Creek Service Center
• IMPACT ECHS
• Peter E. Hyland
• Baytown Junior High
• Travis Elementary
• San Jacinto Elementary

Families are told not to attempt to pick up their children from the schools mentioned above. Residents who are currently at home should close their windows, shut off their AC units, and remain indoors until further notice.

Plant workers heard a loud boom before flames were seen shooting into the air, engulfing the affected silo in flames. The unit contains polypropylene material, which is used to create plastics.

Polypropylene (a light carbon-based mixture) can easily ignite by sparks, flames, or heat and create explosive mixtures with air. Gas and vapors in the air can cause asphyxiation or dizziness, while contact with liquified gas can lead to burns or serious injury.

Plant spokespersons claim that there is no radiation leak and no environmental damage has been done. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined at this time.

For more information about the Baytown Exxon Plant fire, contact Daspit Law Firm at (888) 273-1045 today.