Propane explosion averted in Wantagh

The Wantagh Fire Department responded to a fire in the backyard of 3549 Roger Drive on Dec. 4. The fire had spread to a open air gazebo which was housing three 20-pound propane tanks.

Once the fire was extinguished, the propane tanks were removed to the street where they were examined for possible damage due to the fire. One of the tanks was determined to be compromised and would require a “burn off.”

The Nassau County Fire Marshal dispatched its Hazmat truck for evaluation and eventual burn of the remaining propane. With the road shut down, the Fire Marshal’s team began the burn off with Wantagh firefighters standing by with hoses. No injuries were reported.