The March 2004 explosion at Control Solutions Inc. rattled Pasadena residents. More than 100 firefighters struggled more than 10 hours before containing the blaze, while state, local and federal environmental authorities worked to prevent air and groundwater contamination.

Six years later, a Harris County jury has ruled that an India-based chemical manufacturer, Gharda Chemicals LTD, and its U.S. subsidiary were to blame for the fire by selling metal drums containing components used to make pesticide that were contaminated with a flammable solvent. The jury issued an $8.37 verdict on behalf of Control Solutions Inc., which included $6.2 million in damages and $2.1 million for environmental cleanup costs.

 According to the Houston Chronicle:
Shortly before the blaze, 32 drums of Chlorpyrifos were placed in a "hot box" in the Houston company's Pasadena warehouse for melting, based on procedures provided by the manufacturer, the statement said. During the melting process, the contaminated chemicals exploded and caught fire.
The flames spread quickly throughout the warehouse and Control Solutions' nearby office building, destroying virtually everything inside, attorneys for the company said. Harris County fire investigators determined the "hot box" to be the ignition source.
The fire not only destroyed the buildings, "but also threatened the health and safety of the surrounding area," said attorney George H. Lugrin, IV of Houston trial law firm Westmoreland Hall Maines & Lugrin, P.C., one of those who helped win the $8.37 million verdict. "Hopefully companies will now think twice before selling products that put us all at danger."
Mark Boyd, president of Control Solutions, also expressed his appreciation for the jury's decision.
"There are few things worse than watching your buildings go up in smoke," Boyd said in the prepared statement. "We have worked extremely hard to rebuild and grow our company and are looking forward to putting that terrible day completely behind us."
The fire took more than 11 hours to control with help from nearly 125 firefighters from the Pasadena, Seabrook, Deer Park and La Porte fire departments. Because the warehouse stored hazardous chemicals, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency along with state and local environmental officials became involved in efforts to prevent groundwater contamination and to monitor air pollution.
Control Solutions continued its business operations following the blaze and has since rebuilt its production facilities and offices.