Large industrial fire extinguished at Channelview facility

CHANNELVIEW, Texas - Company officials say they are working with local officials and agencies to ensure the site is stable and secure after an industrial fire sparked up in the Channelview area on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Fire Marshal's Office, the fire occurred at K-Solv, located at 1000 Lakeside Drive.

The warehouse fire ignited around 4 p.m. Wednesday and was extinguished by 6:30 p.m. with a few hot spots remaining.

Mikie Sopccak, Director of Environmental Health Safety and Security for the K-Solv, said during a news conference Wednesday evening that a drum transfer was occurring there was an ignition source. 

Sopccak said during an afternoon news conference that 95-96 employees were at the facility during the fire. However, about three hours later, we were told that 56 employees, five of which were located at the warehouse where the fire occurred, were all accounted for. 

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office said numerous agencies responded with foam to extinguish the fire. Known chemicals on site include, but not limited to: hydrochloric acid, acetone, ethanol, ethylene dichloride, and other acids. 

One person was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure with mild respiratory irritation, officials said. That person was released on Wednesday night.

K-Solv says a second employee who went to the hospital for further observation not directly related to the incident was released late Wednesday night.

A shelter-in-place order that was issued for Lakeside Park Estates and Lakeview Homes has since been lifted. 

On Thursday, Sopccak said they were working to determine what type of chemicals were ignited or what burned during the large fire.

Officials said air monitoring is continuing to take place in the area to make sure the air is safe for all. K-Solv says air quality remains at acceptable levels. 

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Fire Marshals are currently onsite conducting their investigation. 

"We continue to work directly with all local officials, regulatory agencies, and necessary entities, proactively providing the necessary information," K-Solv said in an update on their website.

Some streets in the area including Lakeside, Northshore, Hardy, and DeZavala were closed due to the fire.