Firefighters: Operate home propane tanks safely

During Thursday’s AmeriGas explosion in Jackson, several small propane tanks caught fire and exploded.

They’re fairly common in backyards, but firefighters say that, for the most part, you needn’t worry about one blowing up.

“Propanes are a very safe fuel and the tanks that they’re put in are extremely safe,” said Capt. Nick Christensen

In 18 years of fighting fires, Christensen said he’s only seen one involving propane.

But things can still go wrong.

When propane leaks (it smells like rotten eggs), Christensen said you know you have a problem.

“If you can get to the tank and the smell’s not too strong, you can get there, then you want to try and shut the tank off. There’s a valve on top,” said Christensen.

He said you should also contact authorities and avoid using electricity.

“You probably don’t want to turn off the lights or turn on the lights. Just leave things alone and leave the home.”

When possible, it’s best to have your tank installed by a licensed professional and keep it a good distance from your house.

“Keep your gas grill a ways away from anything combustible. You don’t want it right against your house. You don’t want other things that will burn up next to it,” said Christensen.

In Pocatello city limits, most non-portable propane tanks require a one-time inspection by the Fire Department at the time of installation.

But Christensen said most of the propane tanks in the city are the smaller ones.