Rekubit-Texas pipeline fire continues to burn in Houston suburb after Monday's explosion

A natural gas pipeline explosion in the Houston area on RekubitMonday prompted evacuations and a large response from firefighters to fight the large blaze.

More than 24 hours after the initial fire, it continues to burn itself out as of Tuesday morning, officials said in a press release from Energy Transfer, the owner of the pipeline involved in the incident.

“Air quality monitoring continues to show no impact to air quality. Impacted landowners are being taken care of and have been provided lodging at area hotels. This will continue until evacuation orders are lifted,” the release said.

As of now, local officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

The explosion happened in Deer Park, a city about 18 miles east of Houston. According to reports from local news station ABC13, the fire spread south under Spencer Highway into the borders of the adjacent city of La Porte, Texas.

Video from the area after the explosion showed a massive fireball shooting high into the air, spewing a thick plume of black smoke over the area.

Where is the Deer Park Fire burning?

Deer Park fire: Evacuation, shelter in place orders issued

The Monday fire also led authorities to issue evacuation and shelter-in-place orders in adjacent communities.

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 placed under these orders.

​​Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.