BEAUMONT, Texas — Firefighters from every volunteer fire department in Chambers County helped fight an oil storage tank fire early Sunday morning in Double Bayou.
The fire started early Sunday morning at about 4 a.m. at a small oil production lease near the corner of Eagle Rd and Eagle Ferry Rd in the Double Bayou community south of Anahuac, according to a news release from Chambers County.
Officials believe the fire, which was extinguished by about 10 a.m., started when lightning from a line of thunderstorms struck one of four oil storage tanks at the site, according to the release.
"A water tower was stuck by lightning nearby and so subsequently those investigations, led us to believe that's what happened here too," said Emergency Management Coordinator, Ryan Holzaepfel.
Residents in Anahuac, seven miles north of the well site, reported being awakened by the strike the release said.
The tanks, which contained crude oil, were quickly engulfed in flames, creating a dangerous blaze that was hard to extinguish, according to the release.
"When I got there I saw tanks on fire, I was like ok time to rock and roll, let's get it put out," said Oak Island Double Bayou volunteer firefighter William White.
Firefighters used two nearby fire hydrants to contain the fire and cool the tanks.
"You have to careful of how you apply that water because it can cause more of an issue since it was an oil product on fire said Holzaepfel.
They used a special foam to put out the blaze.
"Being able to put a blanket over the fire, down into the containment dyke which kept the oil from reigniting," White said.
The Chambers County Office of Emergency Management coordinated the response of every volunteer fire department in the county.
“My office and Chambers County as a whole is grateful for the work of these volunteer fire departments,” said Holzaepfel. “Their professionalism and expertise minimized the impact of what could have been a deadly event.”
"I believe the step was necessary, incident command made the right call, to call out extra resources," said White.
Volunteer firefighters from the Oak Island-Double Bayou, Anahuac, Smith Point, Hankamer, Wallisville, Cove, Beach City, Winnie and Mont Belvieu Volunteer Fire Departments worked together for about six hours to put out the fire.
Firefighters from all over Chambers County fight oil storage tank fire
Officials from the Texas Railroad Commission and Texas General Land Office responded to the site of the fire as well a responsible party for the well-site, the release said.
First responders were dressed in full hazmat gear to protect themselves from the toxic fumes.
"With of course the help of the Forestry Service we were able to obtain some grants to help get people up to date gear, and be able to wear the things," White said.
No injuries were reported during the fire and no evacuations were needed during the fire. Air quality was monitored throughout the fire with no hazards indicated the release said.
“Today was an exercise in collaboration,” continued Holzaepfel, “and I am proud of the way that our local VFDs, County Departments and State Agencies worked together.”
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.