#FAIRFIELD, CT, November 5, 2013: On Tuesday morning at 9:21am the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a worker on the scene reporting a propane leak at 276 Pemburn Street. Fairfield Fire Engines 1, 2, 3, and 4, Ladder 2, Cars 3 and 5 responded, with Car 3 first to arrive on scene to report that an aboveground valve had been damaged and was leaking propane from a recently filled 500 gallon inground tank.
Fire personnel established protective hoselines and were able to diminish the leak with patch materials while awaiting the arrival of the Fairfield Fire Department Hazardous Materials Trailer. Upon its arrival fire fighters set up a newly acquired propane flare kit in order to safely burn off the contents of the tank if the responding Gault repairman from the tank company was unable to make the necessary repairs, according to Assistant Chief Scott Bisson who served as Incident Commander.
Although initial efforts to repair the damaged valve were not successful, the leak was temporarily stopped awaiting additional Gault resources to remove the remaining Liquefied Propane Gas, after which Fire Department personnel will flare off any remaining vapors from the tank for its removal and repair. Fire personnel will remain on scene through the afternoon until the hazard has been mitigated, added Bisson.
Residents from nearby homes were advised to leave for their own convenience due to the length of street blocked by fire apparatus, but no evacuations were necessary as ongoing metering found no explosive gases outside the immediate area of the leak. “We take these types of situations seriously, especially in light of recent incidents,” said Bisson who remained on scene at press time. “Preparing for the worst while working for the best possible outcome is what we’re all about.”

Assistant Chief Christopher Tracy
Chief of Training, Fairfield Fire Dept
Director, Fairfield Regional Fire School