UPDATE (11 p.m.):
Cape Coral Police say the leak has been taken care of and the area is now safe.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Cape Coral Police Department is warning residents of an underground propane tank leak in southeast Cape Coral.
Police say the hazmat concern is near Southeast 22nd Place and Southeast 32nd Terrace. They add it's affecting residents and traffic in the area.
Cape Coral emergency crews were notified of a gas leak involving a 500-gallon propane tank at a residential property. The homeowner, who was taking her dog out for a nighttime walk, detected the smell of leaking propane, which led to the prompt intervention of the fire department and AmeriGas personnel.
Upon arrival, the emergency teams assessed the situation and implemented safety measures. "We connected it into the valve system and set up a flare to burn off about 5 percent of the tank's contents," explained Battalion Chief Ian Milliken . AmeriGas, the propane supplier, also showed up on scene to help secure the tank and ensure that the leak did not escalate into a more severe incident.
The risks associated with such leaks are significant, as propane is heavier than air and can accumulate near the ground, creating a hazardous environment. "The propane could reach a combustible source and ignite, leading to a major explosion under the right conditions," the battalion chief added. The leak was contained without any damage to property or injury to the homeowner, but the neighboring home was evacuated as a precaution.
The leak was traced to a service area where the tanks are usually filled.
They are asking you to avoid the area at this time.
Fox 4 has a crew on the way to the scene. Check back for updates.
