Shelter-in-Place Lifted: Marathon Plant Fire in Texas City

TEXAS CITY, June 14, 2025

Firefighters Monitor Air Quality after Refinery Incident

A shelter-in-place order has been lifted following a fire at the Marathon Refinery in Texas City. Officials are monitoring the air.

• A shelter-in-place order was lifted after a fire at the Marathon Refinery.
• The incident occurred Saturday at the facility located at 2401 5th Ave South.
• Texas City Fire Department is conducting air monitoring at the site.

What happened at the Marathon Refinery in Texas City? A fire at the Marathon Refinery prompted a shelter-in-place order,which has since been lifted. The incident occurred Saturday at the facility located at 2401 5th Ave South, and the Texas City Fire Department continues to monitor air quality.

Did you know?-Marathon Oil experienced a fire at its Texas City refinery in November 2024, resulting in one employee fatality [[3]]. The company expressed deep sadness following the incident.

Due to the ongoing situation, officials initially ordered residents and businesses within a specific area to shelter in place. This area spanned from Highway 146 to Bay Street and north of Marathon from 21st to Bay Street. The Texas City fire Department is actively monitoring the air quality.

Safety Precautions Previously in Place

Reader question:-What are the long-term health effects of exposure to refinery fires, and what resources are available to residents who are concerned about their health?

texas City Emergency Management advised the public to follow safety precautions during the shelter-in-place order. These included staying indoors, closing doors and windows, and turning off air conditioning or heating systems. officials also encouraged residents to stay informed through official channels for updates.

The City of Texas City and the Texas City Office of emergency Management (TCOEM) are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure public safety. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

The Crucial Role of Air monitoring After Refinery Incidents

The recent fire at the Marathon Refinery in Texas City, and the resulting shelter-in-place order, underscores the vital role of air monitoring in protecting public health and safety. The Texas City fire Department is currently assessing the air quality near the facility. This is a critical step following any industrial incident involving perhaps hazardous materials.

air monitoring involves the use of specialized equipment to detect and measure the presence of airborne pollutants. This information helps officials understand the extent of the contamination, identify the specific substances released, and determine the potential risks to the community. The data collected is then used to inform public health decisions, such as when to lift a shelter-in-place order, and to guide any needed environmental remediation efforts.

Following the november 2024 fire at the same refinery, air quality monitoring played a critical part in the response. As the initial incident on Saturday, the Texas City Fire Department has been actively conducting air monitoring at the site [[1]].

Why Air Monitoring Matters

Air monitoring helps safeguard public health in immediate and lingering ways. It is crucial for understanding the risks associated with exposure to pollutants released during a refinery fire. For example, depending on the materials involved, these pollutants can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and othre hazardous substances.

What are VOCs, and why are they a concern? VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. Some can cause short-term health effects like eye, nose, and throat irritation.The long-term effects depend on the specific VOC and the exposure level.

Here’s why air monitoring is so crucial for the community:

• Real-time Data: Monitors provide immediate data on air quality, allowing rapid response to changing conditions.
• Identifying Hazards: They pinpoint the specific pollutants that are present.
• Risk Assessment: This data helps determine the level of risk for residents and the habitat.
• Informing Response: Air monitoring guides decisions about shelter-in-place orders, evacuations, and ongoing health recommendations.

What’s happening with air monitoring in Texas City? The Texas City Fire Department will likely share this data with local and state environmental agencies, health departments, and the public. This kind of transparency helps the community stay informed.

Common air Monitoring Techniques

Several technologies can be employed, depending on the specific needs of the situation. This includes:

• Real-time monitors: These instruments provide immediate readings on the levels of various pollutants.
• Passive samplers: These devices collect pollutants over time, which are then analyzed in a laboratory.
• Mobile monitoring units: These portable units can be deployed to different locations to assess air quality in various areas.

The data gathered is also used to investigate any possible long-term health consequences. Exposure to pollutants released during such incidents can,in some cases,lead to respiratory issues,impact certain cancers,and other health problems.A thorough investigation into the air quality helps officials to effectively manage these potential health concerns.

Expert Tip: If you’re concerned about air quality, consult the local health department or environment agencies, which will provide the most up-to-date information and any area-specific recommendations.

The City of Texas City and the Texas City Office of Emergency Management (TCOEM), along with the Texas City Fire Department, are working together to give the public accurate information. Air monitoring is not just a technical process; it’s a direct step in protecting people in the aftermath of an industrial incident.