Jackson explosion and fire investigation complete

A propane gas explosion November 20 was caused when leaking gas came into contact with an undetermined ignition source at Amerigas in Jackson. Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Fire Marshal Kathy Clay determined a leak occurred during the off-loading of gas from a delivery truck as the result of faulty equipment or a hose.

According to Clay, after the initial fire, heated above ground LPG tanks vented and sent flames 75 feet into the air. A semi-truck cab and several vehicles were destroyed by the fire.

A series of explosions also occurred when the gas tanks and tires of nearly vehicles were engulfed.

No one was injured or hurt.

“This was a very complex and dangerous incident which required quick action from our crews,” said Clay. “I am very proud of the rapid attack on the fire, the interagency assistance which helped us manage the scene safety, and our local dispatch center. Everyone worked very well together to take chaos and turn it back into order.”