HAZMAT RESPONSE ON GAS LEAK LEADS TO SAFE AND QUICK REPAIR

Devore—Join County Fire personnel as they take you through a recent hazardous materials response in this community north of San Bernardino, where a request for the proper level of resources helped bring about a safe and efficient remedy to the problem.

A resident had called 911 stating a faulty gauge had led to a large audible leak at the propane tank supplying their home. While the risk of catastrophic tank failure was believed to be minimal, the initial arriving engine crew evacuated the house and initiated a hazardous materials response to properly mitigate the situation. The street was closed and nearby residents were sheltered in place.

County Fire Hazmat specialists soon arrived from multiple locations, and a command structure was built to oversee all resources. Crucially, gas company repair technicians were also called. Fire crews approached the scene to assess, monitoring the atmosphere for fire hazard and examining the tank. The plan was to first try to repair the issue; if that was not possible, a system would be rigged to siphon fuel from the tank and burn it off in a temporary exhaust pipe, a process called “flaring.”

Ultimately, as fire crews stood by with hose lines in place and tools assembled to initiate plan B, the company technicians were able to repair the leak, bringing the call to a thankfully undramatic end. The street was quickly re-opened to traffic.

Hazmat responses are unique in that often, the proper response is to slow things down. Rushing into a situation before it has been properly assessed, or downplaying potential hazards, can get first responders overcommitted before they are fully prepared. Major Hazmat disasters are relatively rare; responding to smaller emergencies with the proper response level prepares County Fire crews for when a larger incident occurs.

@Ferrellgas


Media Contact: Ryan Beckers, PIO
[email protected]