Texas plant fire caused by methanol explosion
19 November 2012
An explosion and subsequent large-scale fire at a chemical plant in Garland, Texas, caused a large area to be evacuated. Around 10,000 gallons of methanol were consumed in the blaze at the Nexeo Solutions plant on November 16. Nexeo said all 41 employees at the plant were safe and accounted for.
The Houston-based company distributes chemicals, plastics, and composites and also offers environmental services.
According to the company, methanol was being unloaded from a rail-car when the explosion occurred. Methanol is a highly flammable, toxic, wood alcohol.
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was quickly on site to monitor air quality in the area, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also responded to the fire, to try and determine why the explosion happened.
The Garland Fire Department and Dallas Fire Rescue worked together with their hazardous response teams to control the fire, which was contained to one building. Smoke and flames could be seen for miles for much of the afternoon and early evening.