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Third Coast Industries Petroleum Products Facility Fire

Location: Brazoria County, TX
May 01, 2002

Accident Description

On May 1, 2002, a fire erupted at Third Coast Industries in unincorporated Brazoria County, Texas. The facility, which blended and packaged motor oils and other automotive products, was not designed or equipped to prevent the spread of fire. Despite efforts of firefighters, the fire ultimately consumed 1.2 million gallons of combustible and flammable liquids and destroyed the site. One hundred nearby residents were evacuated, a local school was closed, and significant environmental cleanup was necessary due to fumes and runoff. No employees or firefighters were injured during the incident.

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Recommendations

Third Coast Industries

2002-03-I-TX-1

Audit the Third Coast Terminals facility in Pearland, Texas, in light of the findings of this report. Take action to ensure that the facility's fire suppression and control procedures meet the relevant requirements of NFPA 30 and OSHA 1910.106.
Status: C-UA/NRR

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

2002-03-I-TX-2

Revise NFPA 30, the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, to address the following issues For facilities that are not staffed around the clock, specify circumstances where automatic fire detection is needed. Narrow exemptions for Class IIIB liquids. Expand fire protection analysis requirements to include all areas of a facility where there may be flammable or combustible fire risks.
Status: O-ARAR

International Code Council (ICC)

2002-03-I-TX-3

Revise the International Fire Code to address the following issues: For facilities that are not staffed around the clock, specify circumstances where automatic fire detection is needed. Narrow exemptions for Class IIIB liquids. Expand fire protection analysis requirements to include all areas of a facility where there may be flammable or combustible fire risks.
Status: O-ARE/AR

Brazoria County, Texas

2002-03-I-TX-4

Adopt a fire code, such as the NFPA Uniform Fire Code or the ICC International Fire Code, for application in unincorporated areas.
Status: C-AA

Petroleum Packaging Council (PPC)

2002-03-I-TX-5

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.
Status: C-AA

Independant Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA)

2002-03-I-TX-6

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.
Status: C-AA

American Petroleum Institute (API)

2009-03-I-TX-7

Communicate the findings of this report to your membership.
Status: C-AA