Incident Summary
A large industrial fire erupted on Saturday at the Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas on June 14, 2025, prompting emergency officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. The fire was reported around 12:44 p.m. at the facility located at 2401 5th Avenue South. Firefighters and emergency response teams quickly mobilized as thick smoke billowed from the site.
It is unclear if any workers or contractors at the refinery were injured. Authorities enacted a shelter-in-place order for residents and businesses from Highway 146 to Bay Street and from 21st Street north of the refinery to Bay Street. Marathon Petroleum confirmed that all personnel had been accounted for, and air monitoring systems were deployed as a precaution.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and local emergency management agencies continue to assess the situation. As of this writing, the shelter-in-place order is still active, and the public has been advised to avoid the area.
There have been a number of prior incidents at the Texas City refinery. A fire broke out in a sour water tank in the facility’s Power 2 unit on December 13, 2023. There was an incident at the Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery on June 27, 2023. There was a fire at the Marathon Petroleum Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, Texas on May 15, 2023.
Risks and Potential Contributing Factors
Fires at oil refineries pose serious risks, not only to workers onsite but also to neighboring communities. Refineries process large volumes of flammable substances under extreme pressure and heat, making them vulnerable to incidents involving leaks, equipment failure, or process upsets.
In this case, while the specific ignition source remains unknown, the release of hazardous materials such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other airborne pollutants is a major concern. The shelter-in-place order and ongoing air quality monitoring suggest a potential for exposure to dangerous fumes, which can have both immediate and long-term health consequences.
Moreover, industrial fires can often stem from preventable failures—such as inadequate maintenance, insufficient safety protocols, or lapses in employee training. Investigators will likely review the refinery’s maintenance records, operational procedures, and incident history to determine whether Marathon met its legal and safety obligations.
Legal Responsibilities of Refinery Operators
Refinery operators like Marathon Petroleum have a legal duty to maintain a safe working environment for employees and to safeguard the surrounding community from industrial hazards. This includes compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, proper maintenance of processing units, and prompt mitigation of known risks.
If this fire was caused or worsened by preventable issues—such as neglected equipment, failure to control emissions, or delayed emergency response—Marathon may face liability for any harm caused. Residents, workers, or business owners affected by smoke exposure or property damage may have grounds to seek compensation under personal injury, environmental, or property law.
Your Legal Rights After an Industrial Plant Fire
Fires and chemical releases from refineries can result in significant harm to individuals and communities. If you or a loved one were exposed to smoke or toxins, or if your property or business was affected by the fire at Marathon’s Texas City refinery, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can include:
- Medical treatment and monitoring for exposure-related illnesses
- Property damage and cleanup costs
- Business interruption losses
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced industrial accident attorney can help evaluate the cause of the incident, preserve evidence, and pursue claims against the responsible parties.
Contact a Texas Industrial Accident Lawyer
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent individuals and families impacted by refinery fires, chemical releases, and other industrial disasters. Our team of experienced refinery accident attorneys is prepared to investigate refinery negligence and pursue justice for those harmed.
If you’ve been affected by a refinery accident, call 713-804-9306 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.