Propane Business Blaze Triggers Evacuations as Tanks Become Projectiles.
Explosive Blaze at Big-City Propane Business Turns Tanks Into ‘Missiles,’ Triggering Evacuations
A fire broke out at Bill’s Propane Service, a business located just north of Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport, causing a chaotic scene as propane tanks exploded and shot off into the sky. The incident occurred at around 5 p.m. on Thursday, prompting firefighters and police to quickly evacuate the area.
As the fire raged on, some tanks flew as far as 500 yards, damaging dozens of cars in their path. However, the good news is that no one was injured in the incident.
KPHO-TV reported on the dramatic events, sharing a video that captured the explosions and the ensuing chaos. The footage showed shrapnel flying into the air, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation.
NEW VIDEO: Two people shared insane video with me of explosions toward what looks like the beginning of the propane storage facility fire. This is again in Phoenix near 40th and Washington. At points it looks like you can see shrapnel fly into the air. @abc15 @LukeTVNews pic.twitter.com/Rdfp8avtEw
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) July 21, 2023
Capt. Rob McDade of the Phoenix Fire Department described the scene as flames billowed from the building upon their arrival. He mentioned that propane tanks were shooting out of the roof and into the surrounding area, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the situation.
VIDEO: Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade on the air with us right now, saying these propane tanks exploding can become “missiles” & shoot up to 500 yards in the air. This is a very dangerous situation and they are working with police to evacuate a mile radius around this business pic.twitter.com/6AGOO46eoc
— Mac Colson (@MacColsonTV) July 21, 2023
The Phoenix Police Department closed off the area surrounding the blaze to traffic, while 150 firefighters battled to contain and extinguish the fire. The intense heat and flames caused significant damage, including the destruction of around 30 cars in an airport parking lot nearby.
Images from our news chopper showing what appears to be an airport parking lot right near the propane fire. I’d estimate dozens of cars destroyed @azfamily pic.twitter.com/7WIEZ4c0LC
— Mac Colson (@MacColsonTV) July 21, 2023
Area homes and businesses were evacuated, and public transportation in the vicinity was disrupted. The Phoenix Police Department took to Twitter to inform the public about the situation and advised finding alternate routes to avoid the affected area.
Phoenix police officers are assisting the Fire Department with traffic control related to a large fire in the area of 40th Street and Washington Street.
Please find an alternate way around the scene. pic.twitter.com/1XyfY7NmDz
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) July 21, 2023
After several hours, authorities announced that the situation was under control. However, some businesses in the vicinity remained closed the following morning. The Arizona Animal Welfare League, located in the area, successfully evacuated all animals and avoided any harm to their building.
By 8:30 p.m., light rail service in the affected area was restored, bringing some relief to commuters.
Service Alert: Stations are now open. We are no longer turning trains. Service is resuming normal operations. Thank you for your patience! #vmservice
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) July 21, 2023
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what led to this explosive incident.
The post Explosive Blaze at Big-City Propane Business Turns Tanks Into ‘Missiles,’ Triggering Evacuations appeared first on The Western Journal.
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