Fire at Old P.H. Robinson Power Plant in Bacliff Sends Smoke Plume Over Galveston Bay, Monitored by Weather Radar

BACLIFF, Texas — A fire that broke out early Sunday morning at the old P.H. Robinson Power Plant in Bacliff, southeast of Houston, is sending a large smoke plume across Galveston Bay, according to Texas Storm Chasers and local radar imagery.

The blaze, which started around 2:30 a.m. CST, was first noticed by residents in the coastal community before it became visible on weather radar just after sunrise. By 9:30 a.m., the National Weather Service radar confirmed that the thick plume of smoke had drifted eastward, moving out over Galveston Bay and partially offshore.

Smoke Detected on Radar and Visible for Miles

According to Texas Storm Chasers, radar reflectivity picked up the smoke column shortly after 9 a.m., showing a concentrated trail extending northeastward from Bacliff over the water. Meteorologists said the plume was distinct enough to appear on radar due to dense particulate matter and rising thermal energy from the fire.

The reflectivity map showed the plume’s trajectory spanning over the bay toward the upper Texas coast, with winds blowing steadily from the southwest. Local observers in Kemah, Seabrook, and League City also reported visible haze and a faint smell of burning material early in the morning.

“Radar is picking up a smoke plume from a fire at the old P.H. Robinson Power Plant,” Texas Storm Chasers reported on social media. “The fire’s been burning since early this morning, and the smoke is mostly drifting out over Galveston Bay.”

Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage, but responders say no injuries have been reported at this time.

Historic Facility Has Been Inactive for Years

The P.H. Robinson Power Plant, located near the waterfront in Bacliff, was decommissioned years ago and has since been largely unused. The site has long been a fixture in the area — a reminder of the region’s once-thriving industrial energy infrastructure.

Though the building has remained dormant, it has occasionally drawn attention for small fires and trespassing incidents due to its abandoned state. Fire officials say these older facilities often pose unique challenges for firefighting because of structural instability, leftover equipment, and limited access routes.

Local Residents Express Concern Over Smoke and Air Quality

Residents in Bacliff and surrounding coastal towns expressed concern about potential air quality effects, especially for those with respiratory conditions. As of Sunday morning, smoke appeared to be drifting primarily over water, limiting the immediate impact on neighborhoods inland.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has been notified and may conduct air monitoring if conditions change or if the smoke plume shifts inland with changing winds.

“You can definitely smell it outside,” said one resident of Seabrook. “It’s not thick where we are, but the haze is visible over the bay. It’s eerie seeing it show up on radar like that.”

Local authorities are urging residents near the shoreline to avoid outdoor activity if they notice smoke accumulation and to keep windows closed until the fire is fully contained.

Firefighters Continue to Monitor Site

As of mid-morning, local fire crews were still working to control the fire, which appeared to be contained within the old power plant structure. Crews have been using aerial water streams and ground containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby brush and industrial areas.

Emergency responders from Galveston County and Kemah Fire Department joined the response, coordinating with the Bacliff Volunteer Fire Department to maintain watch over the site throughout the day.

Authorities have not provided an estimated time for full containment but confirmed that monitoring will continue as the site cools.

Public Safety and Weather Implications

Meteorologists note that while smoke plumes on radar are unusual, they’re not uncommon during major industrial or wildfire events when the smoke contains dense particulates. The radar signature helps emergency management track the spread and potential air quality impacts of large fires.

For now, winds from the southwest continue to push the smoke away from populated areas toward open water, but forecasters say any wind direction change could shift the plume back toward coastal communities.

“The good news is the smoke’s going over the bay right now,” a Texas Storm Chasers analyst said. “If winds turn east, residents in Bacliff and San Leon could see heavier smoke later today.”

Officials Advise Caution and Patience

Residents are advised to stay alert for updates from local emergency management offices, Galveston County OEM, and TCEQ regarding air quality and road closures near the power plant area.

Authorities also urged the public to avoid the area entirely, as emergency vehicles and equipment continue to block access routes near Highway 146 and Bayshore Drive.

Investigators are expected to assess the cause of the fire once conditions are safe for entry.

Have you seen or smelled smoke in the Bacliff or Galveston Bay area? Share your experiences and photos with NapervilleLocal.com as this story develops.