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- Firefighters extinguishing on-going flare-ups and hotspots a day after 4 alarm warehouse fire in Spring Branch.
- Officials say the warehouse stored pesticides and fuel additives. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
- Officials say the warehouse stored pesticides and fuel additives. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
- Firefighters continue to extinguish on-going flare-ups and hotspots. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
- Firefighters continue to extinguish on-going flare-ups and hotspots. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
- Firefighters continue to extinguish on-going flare-ups and hotspots. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
- Firefighters continue to extinguish on-going flare-ups and hotspots. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
- Officials say the warehouse stored pesticides and fuel additives. (Photo Credit: Florian Martin)
The Houston Fire Department says about 500 gallons of pesticides were stored at the warehouse complex on Laverne Street.
On Thursday, the warehouse was consumed by a large blaze with multiple explosions.
Some residents are now concerned about how chemical runoff in ditches and creeks may affect their drinking water.
Gricelda Escobar, manager at nearby La Curva Ice House, said the fire has affected her business, and she doesn't trust the tap water.
"It worries us because we cook and right now we can't use the water," she said in Spanish.
The city of Houston says the water is safe to drink.
Victor Gonzalez, who lives just across from the warehouse, said he will continue to drink filtered tap water. But he's staying inside because of the smoke that continues to linger.
"The fireman, he says it's danger," he said.
Gonzalez said he has lived in his house for 23 years and had no idea about the chemicals being stored next door. But he feels safe now.
"That chemicals was danger, but now we don't have anymore," he said with a chuckle.
Down the road, Carlos Zaragoza works at a furniture repair shop, which borders on the warehouse property. He doesn't feel good about breathing in the air here either.
"That's why we got the doors closed," he said. "That way we don't get too much air from there."
The Houston Health Department is waiting for test results of the air as well as of Spring Branch Creek for pesticide contamination levels.
Authorities are advising residents to avoid creeks and ditches and not to eat fish caught from any stream or bayou in the area.