Classes canceled near ITC fire site Friday because of air quality concerns

Several school districts near the Intercontinental Terminals Co. petrochemical fire site in Deer Park have canceled classes for a third day in a row.

Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park and Channelview ISDs cited the possibility of more hazardous air conditions following the three-day fire that razed a chemical storage tank terminal along Independence Parkway as the reason for canceling classes on Friday

School was slated to continue Thursday morning but heightened levels of benzene near the industrial site prompted a second closure and an emergency order in Deer Park for residents to shelter in place.
The shelter-in-place warning was lifted just after noon Thursday

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“According to emergency officials, the conditions that existed this morning and resulted in the shelter in place could occur again tomorrow,” Deer Park Superintendent Victor White Jr. said in a statement to parents. “In other words, while the situation has improved somewhat today, it could change tomorrow.”

La Porte canceled classes out of precaution as well, according to a separate statement.

The three KIPP campuses in the Deer Park area and day time classes at San Jacinto College were also canceled Thursday night.

Classes at Deer Park ISD were canceled Monday after the start of the massive blaze but resumed Tuesday.