Chemical fires can result in severe internal and external burns.
Firefighters Contain Massive Chemical Fire at Factory Near the San Antonio Airport
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a massive chemical fire near the airport was extinguished yesterday.¹
SAFD reported the fire started for unknown reasons at around 11:30 a.m. Monday, August 18th, at a high-tech manufacturing plant on the 3600 block of Highpoint Street, not far from the San Antonio Airport.
The fire was successfully contained and extinguished, but officials reported that 1,000 gallons of chemicals leaked from tanks at the site. Five hundred gallons each of sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid were heavily diluted with water due to the firefighters’ efforts, and HAZMAT crews were dispatched. Officials confirmed there is no danger to the public.
One hundred employees were successfully evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Did You Know?
In 2024, there were 540 accidents on Texas roads caused by a fire starting in a vehicle.²
The Risks of Chemical Fires
Chemical fires in industrial facilities and factories pose unique dangers beyond ordinary fires. Depending on the substances involved, they can release toxic fumes, corrode surfaces, or create hazardous runoff that lingers long after the flames are put out. In addition to immediate risks like burns or smoke inhalation, exposure to strong chemicals may also cause delayed health problems, making these accidents particularly concerning for workers and nearby communities.
The response time of firefighters and HAZMAT crews is critical, but even with a quick response, the long-term effects of chemical exposure are not always immediately clear. Incidents like the recent fire highlight the importance of preventive safety measures and careful monitoring after cleanup.
Protecting Workers in High-Risk Environments
Texas workers in manufacturing and industrial settings often work around volatile substances every day. Employers are expected to follow strict safety standards — including regular inspections, employee training, and proper storage procedures — to minimize the risk of accidents.
When something goes wrong, employees and their families are often left dealing with the aftermath. Even in cases where no injuries are reported at the scene, chemical exposure can lead to health issues that surface later. This is why it’s critical for workers to seek medical attention after any workplace accident, no matter how minor it may seem.
Employers who cut corners or fail to provide adequate safety training put workers at risk. In those cases, legal action may be the only way for families to get the compensation they need and to hold companies accountable.
Your Legal Rights After a Workplace Accident
If an employee suffers harm in a chemical fire or similar workplace accident, they may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances, claims may cover:
-
Medical treatment and long-term care costs
-
Lost wages if recovery requires time away from work
-
Pain and suffering for lasting physical or emotional effects
-
Wrongful death claims if a loved one’s life is lost
Determining responsibility can be complex in industrial accident cases. In some situations, workers’ compensation may apply; in others, negligence on the part of a third party (such as an equipment manufacturer or maintenance contractor) may open the door to a personal injury claim. Speaking with an attorney is often the best way for families to understand their options.
Injured in a Workplace Accident in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
The recent San Antonio factory fire shows how dangerous chemical incidents can be, even when no one is immediately hurt. Fires involving hazardous substances can leave lasting risks for workers, their families, and entire communities.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a chemical fire, workplace accident, or any other industrial incident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:
-
Medical Bills
-
Lost Wages
-
Pain and Suffering
-
Long-Term Care Needs
-
Wrongful Death
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced workers’ comp or personal injury attorney in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.