Evacuation lifted after propane truck catches fire in Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - People are being allowed back into their homes after a propane tank truck caught fire on 6000 West in Madison County.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office evacuated a one-mile radius of 6000 West and 3000 North until the fire was under control.

Firefighters said the delivery truck hit a guidewire on a power pole. It caused the power pole to come down on the propane truck and ignited the truck on fire. As the tank started to heat up, propane vented, as it was designed to do. "But it was significant enough that we needed to create an evacuation for public safety," Fire Deputy Chief Troyce Miskin said.

"At the top of the the propane tank is a pressure relief valve. And at a certain temperature, that valve opens and it allows the gas that is inside the vapor to then escape. So this propane tank did exactly what it was supposed to do." Miskin said.

The driver of the truck was not injured.

There was minimal damage to the home. "Some smoke damage and a little bit of damage to the interior of the garage, to some insulation and an exterior fence. Other than that, it's really the best case scenario, because people are okay and for the most part, the property is okay," Miskin said.