Officials confirmed a significant fire reported at an Entergy substation in Port Neches has been extinguished, but the scene remains active.
Port Neches Fire Chief Eloy Vega said no injuries have been reported by the fire departments who responded to the scene or the private company. However, the scene is still ongoing, officials said as of 8:40 p.m.
"The fire is out," Vega said. "Our firefighters are still throwing water and foam on to the transformers, the electrical equipment, within the facility or yard and they are doing that to cool it down. With temperature reading temperature equipment indicates the temperate is dropping so the situation is under control."
The Port Neches police and fire department are asking the public to stay away from the immediate area. The substation is located on Dieu Street. Traffic congestion caused delays for first responders, the police department said earlier today.
"The block is still blocked off," Vega said. "We recommend avoid this particular block if they don't live here. Area adjacent streets are open as the scene and incident is winding down and as there is less traffic in the area as well."
The fire is considered significant in terms of the amount or volume of heat and smoked the blaze produced, he said.
"Fortunately, the fire was contained early on and adjacent homes weren't immediately threatened by the flames or the smoke," Vega said. "That is due to the ability of the firefighters to place the hose lines in water in position to contain the flames and to defend the homes that are adjacent."
Vega said the fire was reported at approximately 6 p.m. and the fire was contained in about two hours. He said power outages were observed as emergency crews approached scene. The outages were reportedly in the neighborhoods surrounding the yard of the substation, including homes across the street and next door.
Homes across the street on the block and to the neighboring sides of the substation appear to have power restored, however there are still some reports of neighborhoods without power, Vega said.
The cause of the fire may be related to electrical equipment at the substation.
"The initial impression indicates that it may have been perhaps part of the equipment itself, however we can't say that for certainty and at this point it is under investigation.
No further information was immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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