Houston Industrial Fire Smokeprotecting your home and family

The Ship Channel runs from the Port of Houston toward Galveston Bay, past refineries, storage terminals and chemical plants. Communities such as Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Channelview and parts of east Houston sit close by. When fires happen at these facilities, as with the large tank fire in Deer Park in 2019, smoke plumes can travel across the region depending on wind.

Industrial smoke can carry soot, unburned hydrocarbons and other chemicals. Officials monitor air quality and may advise residents to shelter in place, avoid outdoor activity or, rarely, evacuate.

Industrial smoke usually leaves a lighter, more even film than a house fire. Start by replacing the HVAC filter, which will have caught much of the residue. Wipe window sills, tracks and outdoor furniture with gloves. Launder curtains, bedding and clothing that smell. Vacuum with a HEPA vacuum. Follow any official guidance about cleaning outdoor surfaces, gardens and play equipment, as some advice may depend on what burned.

If odor persists or you see residue on ceilings and in vents, the ducts and coil may need cleaning. Keep records and photos, especially if officials or the facility set up a claims process for affected residents.

After some large industrial incidents, the company involved has set up a claims process for nearby residents. Your homeowners policy may also cover smoke damage from an outside source. Document the dates, photos of residue, receipts for cleaning and any health care. Ask your insurer before work starts what they will need.

Harris County and the City of Houston use emergency alert systems to notify residents of shelter-in-place orders and other hazards. Sign up for local alerts, keep a phone charged, and follow official emergency management channels and local news during an incident. Wireless emergency alerts may also be sent to phones in affected areas. Social media rumours spread fast during industrial incidents, so rely on official sources.

During major industrial incidents, schools and businesses near the area may close or keep people indoors. Outdoor sports, work and exercise are often postponed. Follow instructions from schools and employers, and avoid outdoor exercise when air quality is poor, since heavier breathing draws more smoke into the lungs.

Bring pets inside during smoke events and wipe their paws and fur if they have been out. Cover outdoor water bowls. For vegetable gardens, follow official guidance about whether produce should be washed or discarded after an industrial fire, as advice depends on what burned and how much residue fell.

Older Houston homes, especially those on piers or with original windows, let in more outside air than newer, tighter homes. During a smoke event, outside air enters through gaps under doors, around windows, through floor openings and through attic vents. Towels at door bottoms, closing interior doors and running a HEPA air cleaner in one room can help. Window air conditioning units should be set to recirculate if they have that option, with the fresh-air vent closed.

After the event, these homes may have more residue on window sills, floors and fabrics, and odor can linger in soft furnishings. Cleaning follows the same steps, with extra attention to the rooms closest to gaps.

Cars parked outside during a smoke event can collect a film of residue. Wash vehicles with water and mild car soap, and replace the cabin air filter if the car was driven through smoke. Outdoor cushions, umbrellas and play equipment can be wiped or washed. Wear gloves, and avoid pressure washing residue into soil or drains unless officials say it is safe.