Washington County, Iowa – A pipeline explosion and fire in rural Washington County spread across the Skunk River before being brought under control Friday afternoon.
According to Washington County Emergency Management, multiple 911 callers reported an explosion and large fire around 10:50 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2026, in the 2000 block of 325th Street.
Upon arrival, the Washington Fire Department established Incident Command and coordinated with additional fire and EMS mutual aid agencies, along with Washington County Emergency Management. Responders determined the fire involved an underground pipeline owned and operated by Enterprise Products Partners L.P./Enterprise Products Operating LLC.
Emergency personnel secured the affected section of the pipeline, allowing secondary fires — including those that spread across the Skunk River — to be contained. Officials said the incident was declared under control at approximately 12:57 p.m.
Authorities reported no injuries and no damage to residential structures. There is no active threat to the public, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
The response included multiple local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, the Iowa State Patrol, conservation and public works personnel, and county emergency management officials.
Residents in rural areas near 325th Street may have noticed smoke or emergency vehicle traffic during the response.
