On Friday May 5, 2023, at 2:10 PM Wading River FD was dispatched to a Reported Outdoor Gas Leak. Upon arrival at the location, 1st arriving unit Heavy Rescue (6-3-10) the crew found a 20lb LPG cylinder (Liquified Propane Gas BBQ tank) with a leak on the bottom of the tank. Members moved the cylinder away from the home and used gas meters to check for propane inside of the home. Captain Greg Curiel (6-3-51) had determined that the cylinder was near full and requested the Town of Riverhead Fire Marshal (TOR FM), who later requested the Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal (TOB FM), for their Haz-Mat Unit to burn off the remaining propane. While on scene of the first alarm, WRFD was alerted of an EMS alarm. WRFD First Responder (6-3-80) and Ambulance (6-3-17) immediately responded from the first alarm to the EMS alarm and provided medical care and transportation to the hospital. Captain Curiel also requested WRFD Engine 11 (6-3-11) to respond to the scene with additional gas monitoring equipment to ensure that the nearby homes were not affected. While the Fire Marshals began the burn-off, WRFD members stretched a precautionary hose line and stood by. WRFD responded with 10 personnel and 4 pieces of apparatus. All WRFD units returned ready for service 4:26 PM without incident. WRFD would like to remind all residents to inspect your propane cylinders and all connections regularly. If a possible leak is found or if you smell gas, do not touch anything as it may be an ignition source, leave the immediate area and dial 911. See below for some Do’s and Don’ts for propane safety:
Do’s and Don’ts when Using Propane Tanks
Propane Gas Grill and Range Safety Tips • Always use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not bring propane cylinders indoors or into an enclosed space such as a garage, basement or truck of a vehicle. • Always follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and keep written materials and manuals in a safe, accessible place. • Make sure the grill burner controls are turned off. Keep the propane cylinder valve closed when not in use. • Make sure the gas grill is shut off and cooled off before covering your grill after use. • Always use or store propane cylinders in an upright, vertical position. Store them outdoors away from sources of ignition. • When you have your cylinder refilled, have your supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks. • After filling, take your cylinder home immediately. Keep your vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped. Do not leave the cylinder in your car. • When your grill is not in use, cover disconnected hose-end fittings and burner air intakes with small plastic bags, or obtain protective fitting caps from your propane supplier to keep out dirt, insects and moisture. • Before lighting your propane gas grill burner, use a leak-detection solution or a soap and water solution to check all connections for tightness. Contact your local propane gas supplier to obtain the leak-detection solution and instructions on how to use it. • Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. • If you smell gas or there is an uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the area. • Propane Grill Don'ts: • Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder. • Do not leave the cylinder in your vehicle. • Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks. • Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill. • Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it would be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)
