Propane Leak Causes Evacuation Near Lake

Thu., Aug. 10, 2000

From Staff

A residential block near Loon Lake was evacuated Wednesday after a propane leak filled the air with gas.

Stevens County Fire District 1 responded shortly before noon on Larson Beach Road near Loon Lake, Fire Chief Kurt Blanchard said.

A contractor trying to remove a 250-gallon tank from a residence apparently kicked on a valve at the bottom of the tank, which was attached to a hose, sending the gas into the air, Blanchard said. The contractor took off and called 911, Blanchard said.

Firefighters found the source of the leak, turned it off and evacuated the area, Blanchard said.

About half of the contents of the full tank escaped, he said.

A stream of propane about 30 feet long was blowing toward homes, Blanchard said. The gas drifted to a nearby cabin that was vacant. The roar of the gas leaving the tank was so loud a responding deputy heard it over his engine, Blanchard said.

Firefighters made sure homes were ventilated before people could return, he said. The Department of Labor and Industry was investigating the accident, he said.

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