Propane tank hinders firefighting effort

Bill Robinson
Register News Writer

June 17, 2008 08:16 am

— A propane cylinder that had vented and ignited hindered efforts to extinguish a fire at a Richmond residence early Sunday morning, but occupants of the home escaped without injury, according to Richmond Fire Department spokesperson Corey Lewis.
Richmond Fire and Rescue units were called to 1011 Raintree Drive at 3:13 a.m., and when they arrived on the scene at 3:16, “Heavy smoke and flames were visible on left side of the structure,” Lewis said.
The three family members at home already had fled the burning building when fire and rescue personnel arrived, he said.
Because the large propane cylinder, sitting on the left side of the dwelling’s porch, had vented and ignited, firefighters remained outside and centered initial suppression efforts on cooling the cylinder and decreasing the chance of explosion, Lewis said.
“The home suffered heavy fire damage throughout, but firefighters were able to salvage many personnel belongings for the family,” he said.
According to a preliminary finding by the Richmond Fire and Rescue Investigation Bureau, the fire was electrical in origin and started near the left front of the house.
Two engine companies, two ladder companies, a rescue company and other support units, totaling 25 personnel, responded to the fire, Lewis said.
“Please remember that smoke detectors are a family’s first line of defense and a must in every home,” he said. “If you need smoke detectors, call the Richmond Fire Department at 623-1164.”
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.