A massive fire broke out early Sunday morning at the decommissioned P.H. Robinson Power Plant in Galveston County, Texas. Crews reported the blaze around 2:30 a.m. on November 16, 2025. The flames quickly spread through wooden cooling towers.
First one tower caught fire and collapsed. Then a second followed suit. Finally reports indicated power lines nearby also ignited.
The plant sits on Highway 146 near 29th Street and Avenue J in the Bacliff area. As a result, the fire created a thick smoke plume visible for miles. Additionally radar detected the smoke drifting over Galveston Bay.
Emergency Response Mobilizes
Firefighters from several departments sprang into action. Teams from Texas City, San Leon, Pearland, League City, Galveston County, and Brazoria County joined forces. They battled the intense heat for hours. However the site had no active water supply. Consequently, crews pumped water from a nearby ditch to fight the flames.
Moreover they monitored embers to stop new outbreaks. No injuries occurred during the operation. In fact the plant remained unoccupied at the time.
Community Faces
Smoke and Ash The fire affected nearby neighborhoods in Bacliff and San Leon. Residents woke to ash falling and thick black smoke filling the air. As a precaution, officials issued a limited shelter in place order for parts of San Leon, from 8th Street to Galveston Bay.
People sealed windows and doors. They also used air conditioning in recirculate mode. Next authorities advised those with respiratory issues to stay indoors.
Fortunately, the air quality tests showed no hazardous levels. Yet sensitive groups limited outdoor activities. The smoke plume drifted northward toward Texas City. Therefore warnings extended to a wider area.
Investigation and Aftermath Begin
By Sunday evening, firefighters contained the blaze fully. Still the site smoldered into Monday. Crews stayed on scene to watch for flare ups. Moreover the shelter in place order was lifted as air quality improved.
Investigators now probe the cause. They examine possible electrical issues or structural decay from disuse. Officials rule out foul play for now. Additionally the incident did not disrupt local power supplies.
