HARRIS COUNTY – Investigators are working to determine what caused a fire Wednesday night at a refinery facility in east Harris County.
According to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire happened around 8 p.m. at the Petromax Refining Company in the 1500 block of Sheldon Road.
Authorities say they received multiple reports of tanks burning at the facility. When firefighters arrived, crews from the Channelview Fire Department were already working alongside the refinery’s own fire brigade to control the situation.
Firefighters used water as part of cooling operations around the tanks while hazardous materials crews were also called to the scene as a precaution.
By the time officials provided an update, the fire had been extinguished, but investigators say the scene remained active as crews continued assessing the situation.
Authorities confirmed that all personnel at the facility have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
A strong chemical odor was reported in the area during the response, though investigators say there were no visible flames when crews arrived at the scene.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office says the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials are also working to determine what materials were burning inside the tanks.
Authorities say they will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.