A natural gas pipeline explosion in the Houston area prompted evacuations and a large response from firefighters to fight the large blaze, which continued to burn for more than 24 hours. The incident occurred in Deer Park, causing adjacent communities to issue evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. The fire spread to the nearby city of La Porte, and impacted landowners were provided lodging at area hotels. Air quality monitoring showed no impact to air quality, and local officials are investigating the cause of the fire. The San Jacinto College Central Campus was placed under shelter, and evacuation orders were given to areas adjacent to the fire. Nearby grocery stores and elementary schools were also affected by the orders. Videos from the area showed a massive fireball shooting high into the air, spewing a thick plume of black smoke. To contact the reporter, email fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @fern_cerv_.
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Fire still raging at Deer Park following initial explosion
