Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

HOUSTON – Leading up to the 10‐year anniversary, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Houston Field Division issued a reminder of the reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the fire and subsequent explosion that took the lives of 15 people at the West Fertilizer Plant in West, Texas.

On April 17, 2013, at approximately 7:29 p.m., a fire was reported at the West Fertilizer facility. Approximately 22 minutes later a large explosion occurred, causing 15 deaths (12 of whom were first responders), injuring 300 people, destroying more than 500 homes, and leaving a crater 93‐feet wide and 12‐ feet deep in its wake.

After more than 400 interviews, a systematic fire‐scene examination, the review of witness photos, videos and observations, as well as extensive scientific testing at the ATF Fire Research Lab in Beltsville, Maryland, the fire was ruled “incendiary,” or intentionally set.  All viable accidental and natural fire scenarios were hypothesized, tested and eliminated.

ATF, along with the SFMO, Texas Rangers, McLennan County District Attorney’s Office, and numerous other agencies are still seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible for this tragedy. 

Anyone with any information about this crime should contact ATF at 1‐888‐ATF‐TIPS. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov , or through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can also be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.