Just after 10 am Conroe firefighters were dispatched to an explosion and fire in the 9900 block of Butler Rd. Extension, Just off South Loop 336 East. The first unit on the scene reported heavy smoke and fire with reported hazardous chemicals inside. The Deputy Chief immediately requested a foam truck and Hazmat truck along with a second alarm and three additional tankers. Caney Creek, Cut and Shoot, Needham and North Montgomery County Fire Departments were dispatched. Firefighters stood by until it was deemed safe to approach the building and begin to fight the fire. With no water supply, three dump tanks were set up as tankers shuttled water to the fire. Four people were working on the outside of the building when the explosion happened inside. The explosion and fire was so intense that one of those workers vehicles, that was parked outside was incinerated in the fire. According to the Conroe Fire Chief the company manufactures the chemical used for the explosive charges to shoot nails into concrete mostly for hospital construction. Two firefighters were treated on scene for heat exposure due to the extreme weather conditions. With the chemicals and heavy smoke evacuation was discussed, however the winds were carrying the smoke into a heavy wooded area. Only two residents were ordered to shelter in place. At 1 pm crews are still working to extinguish hotspots. No name for a company was found, however, according to the Montgomery County Appraisal District, the property is owned by JL168 BUTLER LP in Houston.
