Office of Fire Prevention and Control

Safety Alert Bulletin

New York State Department of State

Office of Fire Prevention and Control

41 State Street

Albany, NY 12231-0001

• phone: (518) 474-6746

• fax: (518) 474-3240

• fire@dos.state.ny.us

• http://www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/firewww.html 

December 26, 2007

The Office of Fire Prevention & Control is issuing this safety alert due to several incidents that have involved the use of propane cylinders inside of residential structures for heat. With the heating season upon us and the high cost of home heating fuels residents are trying to find ways to reduce costs. One way is through the use of small propane cylinders with an attached radiant heater. Small one pound and twenty pound cylinders have been found inside of destroyed structures in at least three fires reported to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control raising safety concerns for first responders arriving on scene. In at least two fires, firefighters could have been severely injured or killed while operating on the scenes of these incidents due to propane cylinders exploding inside the residences.

     Washington County Fire Coordinator Ray Rathburn reported two instances in his County that were alarming to him where he felt firefighter’s could have been casualties had they been operating in or around the structures when the cylinders exploded. In both instances the structures were totally destroyed. “The first Structure we found had a 100lb. LP Tank inside with a Radiant Heat Fixture attached to it! This tank at some point before the Fire was called in blew, knocking pictures off the wall of a Bar almost a half mile away! We found nothing more then a small part of the top of this tank! The second incident we found 2 - 20lb. LP tanks in the Structure with Radiant Heaters attached as well, 1 of which did rupture!” reported CFC Rathburn.

     The second incident occurred in the Town of White Creek, Washington County on Friday December 14th where a fatality of a resident occurred. It was discovered that the resident was using two small propane heaters to try and stay warm. Numerous one pound propane cylinders along with two twenty pound cylinders (the kind used for outside barbeque grills) were discovered inside the structure after the fire was knocked down. Upon arrival the structure was heavily involved with fire and a report of a resident still inside the structure. Firefighter’s attempted to make entry into the structure, but were unsuccessful. It was later discovered that a third twenty pound propane cylinder was under the landing where firefighters were operating.

     Propane is commonly known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or LP-gas) which can be a mixture of propane along with small amounts of propylene, butane, and butylene. The odorant ethanethiol is also added so that people can easily smell the gas in case of a leak. In the presence of excess oxygen, propane burns to form water and carbon dioxide. When not enough oxygen is present for complete combustion, propane burns to form water and carbon monoxide. Unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air (1.5 times denser). In its raw state, propane sinks and pools at the floor. Liquid propane will turn to a vapor at atmospheric pressure and appears white due to moisture condensing from the air. Propane is used as fuel in cooking on many barbecues, portable stoves and in motor vehicles. The ubiquitous 4.73-gallon (20 Lb.) steel container is often dubbed a "barbecue bottle" In many rural areas of North America, propane is used in furnaces, cooking stoves, water heaters, laundry dryers, and other heat-producing appliances. 

     Size up is very important when determining the type of fuels being used inside the residence when responding to Carbon Monoxide, Unknown Odor and Structure Fire responses. Used propane cylinders outside the residence and propane connections where bottles are absent are good indicators that an alternative heating system may be present inside the structure. Size up will allow firefighter’s to shut off and check connections and odors from possibly damaged propane lines outside due to falling ice and snow should they exist. Checking entry and egress points will ensure firefighter safety due to reduction of possible hazards.

      Checking with the local fuel suppliers can help to identify those residents using excessive amounts of propane in the colder months and may provide you with information on those consistently refilling twenty pound cylinders. During any type of alarms if you notice propane cylinders being used inside the residence please contact your local code enforcement official and make them aware of the situation. This may make you feel bad about reporting someone for this, but think how bad you’ll feel returning to their home for a fatal fire or any fire that may occur.

                        Wishing everyone in emergency services a Safe and Happy New Year.