Watkins Glen, NY – Campers were evacuated after an explosion at the Hidden Valley 4-H Camp Assembly Hall in Watkins Glen, according to fire officials.
The Watkins Glen Fire Department reported on their Facebook page they were dispatched to the camp Monday for a possible fire. However, when they got there they found there had been a minor explosion beneath the floor of the building.
Camp instructors had already evacuated the children. The fire department had them transported to the Watkins Glen Community Center.
Fire officials said there was a ruptured line in the utility space under the kitchen. No on was hurt.
The following was posted on the Watkins Glen Fire Department’s Facebook Page:
Information Release..
The Watkins Glen Fire Department was dispatched to the hidden valley 4H camp assembly hall for a possible structure fire. On our arrival we found there had been a minor explosion beneath the floor of the building. The camp instructors had immediately evacuated the children and had accountability taken care of before our arrival.
After investigating, we found propane gas in the septic system, in the coolers, and in the confined utility space under the kitchen. Engine 30 crews, and Rescue 56 crews were tasked to locate and remove all ignition sources, kill the power to the building, and shut the tank valve on the propane supply tank. We also arranged for transportation to the Watkins Glen Community Center for the children and the instructors.
After the occupants were accounted for and removed from the property, we began the delicate removal of the gas from the building. Using a confined space fan we circulated fresh air into the confined spaces and used (gas safe) ventilation fans to exhaust the propane gas outside to dissipate.
With the assistance from amerigas we locked out and disconnected the tank from service, restored power, got the campers back on grounds, and cleared the scene.
An excellent job performed by all… we would like to give special thanks to Amerigas (Dennis Layton), Schuyler County Dispatchers, The Watkins Glen School District (for the immediate response of buses for the children), Cliff Lott (Senior Park Representative), The Village of Watkins Glen Board and Employees for immediately opening the community center and welcoming the children and their instructors.
State Park Rangers, And State Park Police. The camp instructors deserve a pat on the back!! Being a parent myself, it’s a great feeling to know how well they handled that situation with the kids. Follow up information today proved a ruptured line in the utility space under the kitchen.