Fire Department

Engine Co. 10 responded to the Warner Park Boat Launch (1200 block N. Woodward Avenue) after a vehicle hit a propane tank, knocking it over and causing a significant safety hazard as vapors escaped.

Firefighters noted the odor of propane as they arrived to the area, and pressurized white vapor was seen pushing from the 1000-gallon tank. The driver of the vehicle that struck the tank was not injured.

An evacuation zone was established, and the driver and all other individuals were asked to stay at least 300 feet out of the area. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office lake patrol maintained a perimeter on the water to keep boats from returning to the launch until the vapor hazard was mitigated. The Madison Parks Department, Madison Police, and Maple Bluff Police all assisted Madison Fire on scene.

The MFD Hazardous Incident Team (HIT) and Command Car 31 responded at 3:12 p.m. Due to the volatile situation at hand, Engine Co. 10 provided fire protection with use of a fog stream as the HIT approached the tank, identified a turnoff valve, and put a stop to the leak.

Ferrell Gas Company arrived just after tank was shut down. They inspected the tank and believed it no longer posed a hazard now that the leak was contained.