At approximately 1:20 a.m., Monday, Aug. 7, a huge explosion, followed by numerous smaller blasts, were heard in the neighborhoods near Shiloh Road and Forest Lane. The explosions lasted for approximately 90 minutes. As residents in the area went outside to find the source of the explosion, they found that the Sherwin Williams Paint Plant was engulfed in flames.
The Garland fire and police departments arrived on the scene quickly and began blocking off the area, assessing the situation and fighting the fire. It took approximately two hours to suppress it. Over the course of suppressing the fire, GFD dispatched 16 units.
Nearby neighborhood residents noticed a strong chemical odor and a hazardous materials team was called in. Initial testing of the air did not reveal any danger. The city of Garland also called in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency to perform additional testing and monitor the air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency has been requested to conduct flyover air monitoring tests. Thus far, no results have shown a need for evacuation.
The runoff from the water used to fight the fire is also an environmental concern because of chemicals from the plant. There were no quality issues found in initial testing, but the water in the creeks will continue to be monitored.
The city of Garland will notify residents in the affected area if there are any hazardous test results.
According to one resident of a nearby neighborhood, the noise from the explosion was deafening. He initially thought that a car had run into his home because of the intense shaking of the house and windows. The explosion was heard as far away as Firewheel Town Center, approximately 6 miles.
Mayor Scott LeMay, who was on the scene within an hour, praised the Garland Fire Department.
“I’m thankful that there were no serious injuries, and I’m proud of the rapid response from the Garland Fire Department. They train constantly so that they are prepared for anything,” he said.
LeMay also described how well the police and fire departments worked together on this incident. Firefighters could not enter the building and had to fight the fire primarily with the ladder trucks. The police department flew their drone over the fire then used the images to help firefighters direct the water stream to areas where it was most needed.
The city has asked that the public stay out of the area as the GFD’s investigation is ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available.