A pipeline has exploded and is on fire in a Houston suburb, forcing evacuations [Video]

Firefighters were battling a massive pipeline fire in suburban Houston that sparked grass fires and burned power poles on Monday, forcing people in the surrounding neighborhood to evacuate as a giant plume of fire was shooting high up into the air.The fire began at 9:55 a.m. in La Porte, located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Houston.La Porte City Secretary Lee Woodward told KTRK-TV that they don’t yet know what flows through the pipeline or how it will be shut down.Video images from KTRK showed a park near the fire had been damaged and firefighters pouring water on adjacent homes. There are also several businesses nearby, including a Walmart.Officials have ordered residents in the Brookglen neighborhood area near the fire to evacuate, Lee Woodward, a La Porte city spokesperson said in an email.“Please avoid the area and follow law enforcement direction. Further details will be released as available,” Woodward …