Livonia, NY – A woman was rescued from a fire at her home Tuesday night after a propane leak sparked and caused an explosion.
The Livonia Fire Department said the leak came from a 1,000 gallon underground propane tank. The home was damaged, but livable.
“It doesn’t really get much better than this for an outcome,” said Livonia Fire Chief Paul Dwyer.
When first responders arrived, the propane had exploded, spreading flames along the side of Virginia and Tom Sargent’s home.
Virginia was still inside when Chief Deputy Rich Alexander arrived.
“There was black smoke in there, and it was to the point where she needed to get out and we couldn’t wait any longer,” said Alexander.
Everyone made it out of the home okay and crews made quick work of the fire, saving the home. That’s something that doesn’t happen often with mobile homes.
“They tend to go up in minutes,” said Alexander.
On Wednesday, Sargent’s daughter stopped by the home to pick up a few things and had the chance to meet her mother’s rescuer.
“I was horrified because, obviously, I thought it was going to blow up,” said Amber Savage. “They’re both 85 years old. I didn’t want to lose them.”
“I’m just thankful for all that they do,” said Sargent’s granddaughter, Trisha Taylor. “It hits home. We’re just thankful.”
Chief Dwyer said Wednesday the entire first floor of the mill next door also had propane in it. Crews were fortunate to be able to cut power before anything sparked there.
Dwyer said the propane was up to date with inspections. He added the family will also be able to move back home within in a few weeks.