PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield firefighters safely discharged a 1000-gallon underground propane tank that was breached presenting an immediate safety and environmental hazard.

 

On Thursday, June 25  at 2:52pm, the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to 41 Shaker Lane for a reported gas leak. 

Upon arrival firefighters found workers had sheared off the fill, service, and safety valves to a 1000-gallon underground propane tank. The vessel was estimated to be 60 percent full at the time of the breach.

 

A breached underground propane tank is a serious safety and environmental hazard. Immediate action is required to protect people, property, and the environment. Propane is highly flammable and can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations or exposed to fire, making proper handling and storage essential. It exists as a gas in standard conditions but was in a refrigerated liquified state at the time of this incident.

 

Fire personnel ensured immediate evacuation of the property and together with Eversource, secured power to 41 Shaker and adjoining properties. A Tier 1 Hazardous Materials response was initiated, resulting in (5) technicians arriving and providing assistance with mitigation and area air monitoring with portable gas indicators. Industry experts from Lipton Energy arrived and provided technical support. Pittsfield PD assisted with traffic/pedestrian control and maintaining a safe operating perimeter.

 

Ultimately, due to the nature of the rupture it was impossible to safely offload the product. Engines 1 and 3 stayed on scene and assisted in dissipating the product into air via forced water injection. Water is forced into the tank at higher pressure than the tank’s static pressure. Because water is denser, it sinks below the liquid propane and displaces it, slowly and safely releasing it into the atmosphere. Water injection into the tank is a slow, methodical process that enables the refrigerated propane to escape without a dangerous level of vapor buildup.

 

Personnel remained on scene for four hours. The were no civilian or responder injuries associated with this incident.