Baytown Tank Fire Prompts Shelter-In-Place, Raises Safety Questions

Incident Details

• Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2025

• Time: 7:40 a.m.

• Location: Trek Resources, Inc. tank farm, 2400 block of Causeway Road, Baytown, TX

• Incident Type: Industrial fire (oil storage tank)

• Injuries/Fatalities: No reported injuries or fatalities

• Company Involved: Trek Resources, Inc.

• Emergency Response: Baytown Fire Department; assisted by Cove, Beach City, Crosby VFDs, Harris County HazMat, ExxonMobil foam suppression team

• Community Impact: Shelter-in-place issued for Evergreen Fairways and Trinity Oaks subdivisions; lifted after air quality tests showed no toxic hazard

• Regulatory Action: Investigation ongoing by Baytown Fire Marshal’s Office

Incident Report

A fire broke out at a Trek Resources tank farm in Baytown just before 7:40 a.m. on June 12, sending thick smoke into the sky and prompting an urgent shelter-in-place for nearby neighborhoods. The flames erupted from an oil storage tank located near the 2400 block of Causeway Road, forcing emergency officials to respond quickly despite infrastructure challenges.

The site had no fire hydrants, forcing Baytown crews to call in mutual aid from neighboring departments. Firefighters from Beach City, Crosby, and Cove arrived with tanker trucks while specialized foam units from Harris County HazMat and ExxonMobil were deployed to suppress the blaze and cool surrounding tanks.

The shelter-in-place, which affected Evergreen Fairways and Trinity Oaks, was lifted by 11:30 a.m. after air monitoring showed no hazardous contamination. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported.

Ongoing Fire Risks in Baytown’s Industrial Zones

Tank farms and refinery-adjacent storage facilities present a unique and growing risk in East Harris County. Many, like the Trek Resources site, lack basic infrastructure like water access and automated suppression systems, increasing danger not just for workers, but also nearby families.

While no lives were lost in this incident, the speed at which it escalated is a clear reminder of how quickly an industrial fire can endanger public safety.

Health Impacts and Legal Options

Even if official reports show “no hazard,” exposure to smoke, particulate matter, or chemical fumes can cause respiratory symptoms, dizziness, or stress-related illness. If you or your family experienced health issues following this fire, whether you work in the area or live nearby, you may have a right to seek medical evaluation and compensation.

Speak with a serious injury lawyer in Houston if you believe your health was impacted by this event. Our legal team understands how to document industrial exposure and connect victims with trusted medical experts.

What We’re Watching

OG Watchdog is tracking the ongoing investigation by the Baytown Fire Marshal’s Office. We’re also requesting records from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Harris County Pollution Control to determine if any permit violations occurred.

We’ll report updates as they become available.

FAQs

Was anyone hurt in the fire?
No injuries were reported, but the health of nearby residents may still be at risk from smoke exposure.

Why was a shelter-in-place order issued?
The fire released smoke and possibly chemicals, so residents were advised to stay indoors and shut off ventilation systems.

Is the fire still under investigation?
Yes. The Baytown Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the source and cause of the fire.

Can I file a claim if I got sick after the fire?
Yes. If you experienced respiratory or other symptoms, you may have a valid personal injury claim.