Pipeline Explosion in Southeast Iowa Under Investigation

No injuries or property damage reported, but cause of blast remains unclear

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A pipeline explosion and fire in Washington County, Iowa, remains under investigation, according to an update from the county's emergency management department. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 14, and involved a pipeline owned by Houston-based Enterprise Products Partners LP. While there were no injuries or damages to structures, the fire spread to both sides of the nearby Skunk River, requiring a large response from multiple fire departments.

Why it matters

This incident comes as Iowa lawmakers are seeking to strip pipeline companies of eminent domain rights, following controversy over a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline project. The investigation into the cause of this explosion could have implications for pipeline safety regulations and oversight in the state.

The details

The pipeline explosion and fire started around 10:50 a.m. on Saturday in the 2000 block of rural 325th St. in Washington County. Numerous fire departments responded and brought the blaze under control by 12:57 p.m. The county's emergency management department said there is no continuing threat to the public. Enterprise Products Partners LP, the owner of the pipeline, has not yet responded to a request for comment.

  • The pipeline explosion and fire occurred around 10:50 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The fire was brought under control by 12:57 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Enterprise Products Partners LP

A Houston-based company that owns the pipeline involved in the explosion. The company was also the owner of a pipeline in Texas that was the scene of a deadly accident in 2020.

Washington County Emergency Management Department

The local agency that provided an update on the investigation into the pipeline explosion.

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What they’re saying

“Further updates will be provided as they become available.”

— Washington County Emergency Management Department (Facebook)

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the pipeline explosion is ongoing, and further updates are expected from the Washington County Emergency Management Department.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing safety and regulatory concerns surrounding pipelines in Iowa, as state lawmakers consider stripping companies of eminent domain rights for such projects. The investigation into this explosion could have broader implications for pipeline oversight and safety standards in the state.