AUBURN – Fire crews used a fog pattern of water to disperse explosive vapors Monday after a propane tank overturned at Chapman Trucking, sending dangerous fumes into the air.
It was unclear what caused the 1,000-gallon propane tank to come loose from its moorings and roll across the yard at 925 Washington St. at about 10 a.m. Monday.
Auburn fire Capt. Victor Mathieu said the AmeriGas tank rolled across the ground and pinched a feeder line, causing the line to snap. That caused liquid propane to leak into the air, creating the risk of explosion wherever the vapors settled.
It was believed between 150 and 250 gallons of propane escaped in the mishap. Firefighters from Auburn Engines 2 and 3 responded and used a fog-pattern water stream to disperse the vapors in the air.
No one was hurt in the incident. AmeriGas crews later got the tank on a truck and took it away for repairs. It was believed days of rain may have caused a footing to come loose, causing the tank to slip away and tumble across the yard.
Liquid propane that escapes into the air is known to settle into a cloud. Any source of ignition can cause the vapors to explode.
“Things turned out OK,” Mathieu said. “It could have been a lot worse.”
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