For more up to date information about the site, please visit: https://sherwin-williams-plant-fire-response-epa.hub.arcgis.com/
On August 7, 2023, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Garland Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 701 S. Shiloh Road, Sherwin-Williams. Fire units arrived on the scene, discovering a large ongoing fire and observing several large explosions. Fire units immediately evacuated the plant and took measures to ensure all plant employees were accounted for, with one employee being treated at the scene for minor injuries. Ultimately, 16 Garland Fire units responded to the scene. After approximately two hours, the fire department suppressed the fire.
The City of Garland has partnered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct extensive air quality and stormwater (runoff water) testing including active monitoring around the Sherwin Williams Plant and nearby neighborhoods. The EPA conducted fly-over air monitoring assessments, and all test results have shown safe levels for air quality.
During the efforts to contain the fire and manage immediate life safety priorities, foam retardant from the Sherwin-Williams fire suppression system entered the sewers and surrounding creeks. TCEQ, EPA, the City of Garland and Sherwin-Williams are working to remediate the issues caused by the runoff and cleanup any remaining foam. While some dead fish have been observed in the impacted creeks, no major impacts to public health have been identified at this time. The public is advised to not fish or have contact with these creeks while contaminant testing and cleanup activities continue.
Air and stormwater quality testing will continue throughout the cleanup efforts. The health, safety and security of our citizens is top priority. Therefore, if hazards are identified, residents in the affected area will be immediately notified. To register for the Garland Alert System, please visit
https://www.garlandtx.gov.
Air Monitoring
EPA did not observe readings for any contaminants at or
above site-specific community action levels while conducting community air
monitoring.
TCEQ conducted mobile air monitoring at the site of the
fire, and the surrounding area. The monitoring vans contain multiple analyzers
used to measure contaminants of concern.
TCEQ did not observe readings for any contaminants at or
above site-specific community action levels while conducting community air
monitoring.
The Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental
Collection Technology aircraft (ASPECT) flew on 8/7/2023. Remote sensing was
conducted around the site of the fire, and surrounding communities. The EPA
used a small plane loaded with sensors to evaluate the area.
Analysis of sensor data in support of the
Sherwin-Williams fire did not show elevated thermal levels. Aerial imagery show
significant structural damage but no visible plume.
