SHERIFF BRANDES COMPLIMENTS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
People have been allowed back into their homes after an explosion Tuesday morning at the Western International Gas plant near Bellville.
Evacuation zones for homes near the plant have been removed. Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes says that all highways and streets are open, and traffic is flowing regularly on Highway 159. Brandes said Tuesday’s situation required the assistance of several surrounding agencies.
20 area fire departments, including the Brenham Fire Department, assisted in water shuttling to provide water to extinguish the fires. Brenham units were on the scene from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fire personnel put out all the fires and were finished at the scene by 10 p.m.
Brandes commended the area fire departments and officers, as well as Western International officials, for their quick work during the situation.
Brandes expects investigation of the explosions will soon be turned over to the State Fire Marshal's Office.