HOUSTON – A man suffered minor burns during a chemical plant fire and explosion in the Houston area on Wednesday.
The incident happened at Sound Resource Solutions at FM 1127 and US 59 in Shepherd, located in San Jacinto County.
A large plume of smoke could be seen heading toward the Livingston area, in Polk County, as flammable liquids and diesel continue to burn.
During a briefing, San Jacinto Office of Emergency Management officials did not say how long they expect the chemicals to burn.
Authorities said 19 employees were at the 22-acre site at the time of the incident. A male employee is the only one who was injured, and he is expected to be OK.
The business employs about 40 people at the plant. Sound Resource Solutions handles, packages and distributes oilfield, paint and coating chemicals.
Authorities said they are investigating the cause of the fire.
Emergency management officials initially said people living within a five-mile radius should shelter in place, but that has since been reduced to a one-mile radius.
A private school with 31 children nearby was evacuated. At this time, Highway 59 is closed.
Authorities are expected to give an update at 1 p.m.
Shepherd is located about 60 miles northeast of Houston.