Working Fire at SolvChem Plant in Pearland Successfully Contained; No Injuries Reported

August 28, 2023 – Pearland, TX – A fire broke out at the SolvChem plant located at 4704 Shank Rd early this morning. Pearland Fire Department (PFD) crews responded to the scene, where they found heavy smoke and fire located outside the main building. The fire was contained to two shipping containers and an adjacent delivery truck.

Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from reaching a nearby 30-foot tall, vertical pressurized chemical tank and transport delivery tanker trailers. It has been confirmed that a lubricant additive was the product involved. The fire has been extinguished, and crews are working on overhauling remaining material.

There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. There was no hazard to surrounding residences or businesses from either runoff or smoke. All water and chemical runoff from fire operations were contained within the plant’s containment reservoir.

Responding PFD units included L1, T8, E2, E3, E4, Batt 1, Chief 300, Medic 1, M2, Squad 1, E8, PFD FMO, and Pearland Police Department. Houston Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials and Decontamination team, along with HFD Engine 23, also assisted in the response. SolvChem has contracted a Haz-Mat reclamation company to remove chemical residual and runoff.

As of the latest update, Mykawa Road has been reopened, while Shank Rd will remain closed until further notice.

Photos are courtesy of Pearland Fire Department.