Houston Deer Park fire at gas plant causes enormous pillar of smoke

A major fire broke out at an petrochemicals plant in Houston late last night (March 17), spreading a column of black smoke as at least eight tanks ignited.

Video filmed early this morning (March 18) from the Houston ship channel shows the continued progress of the fire, which is expected to burn for a full two days at least.

The area around the Deer Park fire site has been partially evacuated due to risk of contact with poisonous petrochemicals borne by the fire, with nearby highway traffic being diverted and a school being temporarily closed.