Immediately, a heavy box alarm assignment was dispatched along with the Houston Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team. Shortly thereafter, a request for a second alarm was transmitted. Fueled by the flammable lube and drilling oils stored within the warehouse, along with a stiff April breeze, the blaze whipped into a firestorm and started to consume vehicles and flammable inventory stored within and immediately adjacent to the large warehouse.

Dispatched on the initial heavy box assignment, Ladder 45 immediately set up ladder pipe operations, but was soon forced to break-down supply lines and retreat as the spread of the fire threatened to overtake their position.

Because of the fire's progress and the threat of tainted run off, all operations were switched to that of containment versus extinguishment and Ladders 45, 19 and 20 were placed in strategic positions in an effort to stop the blaze from extending into nearby warehouses as well as the racks of drums not yet compromised by the rapidly extending inferno.

In order to supply the three ladder pipes, long lays of four-inch supply lines were required, as the warehouse was well removed from Wallisville Road. Facing this obstacle, command requested two additional engine companies to assist in water supply.

As ladder pipe operations went into action, large explosions from within the warehouse begun to light up the evening sky. Every three to five minutes, what appeared to be individual or groups of 55 gallon drums would pop off sending super heated balls of fire hundreds of feet into the air. At times, drums resembling rockets could be seen rising from the explosions and then falling back down into the fully involved warehouse.

Despite the heavy volume of fire and explosions, no injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported. Because of the burning contents contain potential hazards; a shelter-in-place for any nearby residents was placed into affect until 5am the next morning.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and fire crews remained on scene for days as investigators and private environmental companies performed their duties.