Official: Welding likely sparked Texas plant fire

BRYAN, Texas — Officials believe a welding job likely sparked a fire at a central Texas chemical plant that forced thousands of people from their homes and closed Texas A&M University’s main campus.

John Salsman with Brazos County emergency management said Friday the investigation is continuing but “the best information we have” indicates the blaze started during a welding job.

The last of the residents who had been evacuated were allowed to return to their homes Friday as the El Dorado Chemical Co. plant continued smoldering. The nearby Texas A&M campus also was reopened Friday.

The fire began midday Thursday at the plant in Bryan, about 100 miles north of Houston. Thirty-four people were treated and released from area hospitals.