A 2-alarm fire tore through the UniClean America warehouse on Antoine Drive in northwest Houston late Friday night, triggering a hazmat response. No injuries were reported, but the blaze left four to five structures with at least smoke damage before crews got it under control.
The Northwest Fire Department responded to the 12100 block of Antoine Drive around 8 p.m. and found the warehouse already fully involved, according to KPRC Click2Houston. UniClean America is a cleaning supply company, and the chemicals stored inside its warehouse added complexity to the firefighting effort. The outlet reports that multiple fire departments assisted at the scene and that crews had to run a line to reach additional water sources to keep up water pressure.
UniClean America operates its primary U.S. hub in Houston and offers marine chemicals and cleaning solutions, according to UniClean America. Hazmat crews were called alongside firefighters after the warehouse was found fully engulfed.
Hazmat Crews Contain Runoff and Monitor Air Quality
Hazmat crews managed runoff from the firefighting water, conducted air monitoring in the area, and placed booms to help contain the runoff, the station's report states.
Mutual-aid arrangements were part of the response to the 2019 Deer Park fire, according to FireRescue1.
Firefighters Work to Control the Blaze
Firefighters ran a line to reach additional water sources and maintain water pressure.
Hazmat crews are still working to identify the specific products and chemicals stored at the facility, the same report notes. The cause was not immediately available.
Regulatory Backdrop for Chemical Storage Sites
The Harris County Fire Code addresses fire hazards, according to the Harris County Fire Code.
Chemical warehouse and industrial fires in Harris County have drawn heightened scrutiny before, notably the 2019 Intercontinental Terminals Company fire in Deer Park, which drew attention to response issues. No injuries were reported in the Antoine Drive fire, and the cause was not immediately available.
