Harris County files lawsuit against ExxonMobil for fire at Baytown facility

Harris County officials have filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil for a fire that broke out at the company's Baytown facility on Wednesday, according to media reports. It has been reported that in the lawsuit county leaders have accused the oil producer of violating the Texas Clean Air Act during the distillation tower fire. The fire resulted in the emission of multiple air pollutants, including propylene, LPG, propane, and associated products of combustion.

The lawsuit asks for injunctions that require ExxonMobil comply with not only the state's Clean Air Act but also the Texas Water Code.

A huge fire broke out on Wednesday at ExxonMobil facility in Baytown city of Texas burning for hours leaving residents in the area worried about their health and wanting answers. People had to be evacuated from the plant and a shelter-in-place was issued as the smoke billowed over Baytown while around 37 people suffered minor injuries.

The fire was extinguished Thursday morning, according to the company. Officials said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.