Propane Tanks Pop in the Heat – By Design

Monday afternoon, Flatonia Fire and Rescue responded to a residence after the relief valve on a propane tank popped open due to the hot outside temperatures.

Propane gas is stored in cylinders under pressure, and the pressure increases as the outside temperature rises. All propane tanks are equipped with a safety relief valve that allows some gas to escape before pressure in the tank increases to an unsafe level. The sound of a relief valve venting gas is very loud and can startle people nearby. Flatonia firefighters cooled the tank by spraying the outside with water until the gas company arrived.

If this happens to your tank, James Fietsam of Tex Propane Co. gave the following advise: “Before calling 911, if possible, spray water on the tank from a garden hose at least 10 feet away from tank to lower the temperature then call your supplier. Older tanks with original valves in direct sunlight have a greater chance of this occurring.”

–Andy Behlen