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Last year, an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas took 15 lives, and leveled much of the town located near the plant. In response to this tragedy, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) was asked to identify all facilities storing more than 10,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate (AN). After these facilities were identified, SFMO staff inspected the 134 facilities. No serious violations were noted during any inspection.
The SFMO also created a web application to enable the public to search for any ammonium nitrate facilities within their zip code, called “Ammonium Nitrate in Texas.” Citizens will be able to enter their zip code into the web application and discover whether there is a facility or facilities storing more than 10,000 pounds of AN within their zip code. If there is an AN facility within the zip code entered, an icon will appear on a map of the area. For security purposes, the map does not provide the exact location or address of the AN facility. If there is an AN facility within the citizen’s zip code, they will be directed to the local fire department for questions.
The State Fire Marshal' Office is a division of the Texas Department of Insurance. The mission of the SFMO is to reduce the loss of life and property due to fire and related hazards through prevention and outreach, licensing and regulation, inspections, and investigations of fire-related incidents. Over the next year, the SFMO along with other state agencies will be conducting public outreach about best practices regarding ammonium nitrate, emergency preparedness, and fire and life safety.
The "Ammonium Nitrate in Texas" application can be accessed at www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fman.html. If you have any questions regarding the website or any other matter of state government, please contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.
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