Deer Park pipeline fire enters third day as evacuated residents wait for all-clear

A pipeline fire near Deer Park and La Porte was shrinking but still ablaze Wednesday, roughly 48 hours after an SUV crashed into an above-ground pipeline valve Monday morning, possibly starting the fire.

The natural gas pipeline is owned by Energy Transfer located near the border between Deer Park, La Porte and Pasadena. The energy company said it was utilizing air monitoring equipment in the area alongside Harris County's Pollution Control Services Department. 

Energy Transfer crews were working to manage and fix a pipeline leak Wednesday by installing stopples, which are used to temporarily block the flow in a pipeline section, according to a news release. 

"Initial assessments conducted by local authorities and Energy Transfer revealed a pressure drop at the affected pipeline section," the release reads. "In response, the company immediately shut down the offsite flaring process and initiated procedures to isolate the leak." 

The company deployed crews to both the north and south ends of the pipeline to rush the stopple installation process, which is expected to take roughly three hours per side. Once installed, Energy Transfer will redirect the flares to a location in front of the stopple with the goal of creating "a vacuum at the leak source" to diminish the current flame. 

Local law enforcement will be present in the area to direct traffic and ensure the safety of the public. 

CenterPoint Energy assured customers that power would be restored to all eligible homes and businesses by the end of Wednesday, according to the news release. 

After initial tests revealed concerning air quality surrounding the pipeline, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirmed Tuesday evening that more sensitive sets of equipment confirmed the air quality was acceptable. 

As evacuations continued, several residents were still waiting for the all-clear to reenter their homes early Wednesday. In an update Tuesday afternoon, Deer Park city officials said Harris County Hazmat teams were preparing to test the air quality of homes close to the pipeline fire

EXPLAINER: What pollution spewed over La Porte and Deer Park during major Energy Transfer pipeline fire?

After the hazmat teams, the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department entered the neighborhood to perform an initial search of the homes followed by a second, more thorough, inspection, according to city officials.

Railroad Commission inspectors were expected to begin the investigation on site once emergency officials announce that the area is safe for entry. The inspectors were reportedly on site as of Tuesday. 

John Lomax V contributed to this article.