Weekend Fire at Texas City Marathon Refinery Sparks Shelter‑In‑Place Advisory

Incident Details

• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

• Time: Reported around 12:20 p.m., shelter‑in‑place lifted by ~2:14 p.m.

• Location: Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery, 2401 5th Ave S, Texas City, TX

• Type of Incident: Industrial fire (unit blaze at oil refining facility)

• Injuries/Fatalities: No reported injuries or fatalities

• Company Involved: Marathon Petroleum

• Emergency Response: Texas City Fire Department, Marathon response teams

• Community Impact: Shelter‑in‑place for residents between 29th St and Bay St; lifted after air monitoring

• Regulatory Action: Under investigation by Texas City Office of Emergency Management

Incident Report

Just after noon on June 14, a fire broke out inside a unit at Marathon’s Galveston Bay Refinery, triggering a precautionary shelter‑in‑place order for homes and businesses across several blocks of Texas City. Emergency officials urged residents to stay indoors and shut down air systems due to the risk of airborne chemicals and smoke.

The alert was lifted less than two hours later, after air monitoring determined no immediate threat. No injuries were reported, and all Marathon employees were accounted for.

Community Exposure and Industrial Risk

Although the fire was controlled quickly, the response raises important concerns about emergency preparedness and public health protections in one of the state’s busiest refinery zones. Even brief exposure to refinery fires can lead to respiratory problems, eye irritation, or other symptoms, especially for vulnerable populations like children or seniors.

Marathon’s Texas City refinery has experienced previous fires and incidents requiring public alerts. The risk is ongoing, and residents deserve stronger safeguards.

If You Experienced Symptoms, Get Help

If you or a loved one experienced symptoms like coughing, burning throat, dizziness, or anxiety during or after the fire, even if they were mild, it’s critical to act quickly. Document what you felt, when it started, and where you were located during the incident.

Contact a refinery injury attorney today to determine whether you qualify for medical monitoring or compensation related to the exposure.

Why Legal Support Matters

Too often, companies and emergency officials minimize long-term health concerns. A serious injury lawyer in Houston can help you navigate the complexities of proving industrial exposure and securing care before health issues escalate.

We’ll work to connect you with doctors who understand environmental injury, and fight to ensure you’re not left paying the cost of a corporation’s mistake.

What OG Watchdog Is Tracking

We’ve requested reports from Texas City emergency management and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to evaluate:

• Emissions data from the fire

• Details about the unit involved

• Any delays in issuing the shelter-in-place

• History of prior incidents at this facility

We will continue updating this story as more facts come to light.

Key Takeaways

• Fire broke out at Marathon’s Texas City refinery on June 14.

• Shelter-in-place alert issued, lifted after air monitoring.

• No reported injuries—but exposure symptoms may appear later.

• Residents with health effects may have legal options.

• Transparency and preventive upgrades are urgently needed.

FAQs

Was anyone hurt during the Texas City refinery fire?
No injuries were reported, but residents experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

Why was a shelter-in-place ordered?
Officials feared chemical exposure due to smoke and vapors from the fire.

When was it lifted?
Around 2:14 p.m., once air quality data confirmed no immediate danger.

Do I need a lawyer if I got sick from the smoke?
Yes—speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you document the exposure and pursue care or compensation.

Is the cause of the fire known?
The incident is under active investigation by local emergency officials.