Luzerne County, PA – Experts say that propane is one of the safest ways to heat your home.
However, there is a warning after two recent explosions in our area.
Firefighters believe propane may have played a role in the destruction of a home in Newfoundland, Pike County. The explosion happened Saturday night and part of the roof and walls blew out of it.
The owner of the home was sitting on his couch and was thrown four feet into the air, but was able to walk away with only a few scratches.
No one was home when a home near the entrance of Mountain Lake in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County exploded on Thursday. Firefighters are also trying to figure out if propane played a role in that explosion.
“Propane has an odor, they put an additive in it and it’s very identifiable,” Jack Danko, the owner of Danko Gas, told Eyewitness News.
Danko Gas delivers propane. Danko said that propane is safe and it’s only dangerous when there’s an open line.
“That’s very dangerous because there’s nothing to stop that gas from coming in the house,” Danko explained. “And it will continue to come until the tank is empty or an explosion occurs.”
Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief, Jay Delaney said that if there’s a propane leak in your home it doesn’t take much to cause an explosion.
“Something as simple as a doorbell or an old fashioned telephone go off,” Delaney said. “If you have the right vapor density you can have an explosion.”
Danko said for that reason it’s a good idea to get your propane tank checked out by a professional at least once a month.
“I don’t agree with the homeowner doing anything because you’re dealing with propane,” Danko said. “And if you make a mistake you can have a problem.”
Danko suggested to not let a propane tank get low. He also said that if you think you smell propane you need to leave your home to call 9-1-1.