Wantagh Fire Department thwarts explosion

Wantagh Firefighters burned off remaining propane to prevent an explosion on Crescent Lane in Levittown.

Jack Healy/Herald

Firefighters had their hoses at the ready.

Jack Healy/Herald

Crescent Lane and surrounding streets were closed off during the incident.

Jack Healy/Herald

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The Wantagh Fire Department responded to 1 Crescent Lane in Levittown on Feb. 8 shortly after 1 p.m. for a leaking propane tank, requiring the evacuation of several homes.

It wasn’t just a propane tank, that most people associate with their barbecues, typically referred to as a 20-pounder. This propane tank was a 400-pounder, or 20 times the normal size. There was a significant threat of an explosion because of the size of this tank, so the Fire Department closed off several streets and evacuated nearby residents. Using “burn-off devices,” the leaking tank was successfully emptied without any additional incident.

Chief Jason Jackowitz requested units from the Hicksville Fire Department, under the command of First Assistant Chief Richard Diaz, the Levittown Fire Department under the command of Second Deputy Chief Donald Epple, and the Seaford Fire Department under the command of First Assistant Chief Bob Podesta. In order to protect the fire district during this crisis, the Bellmore, North Bellmore and Massapequa stood by at various Wantagh fire stations. Nassau County Fire Marshal John Madden was also at the scene.

The fire departments were at the scene for more than two hours. The leaking tank was removed by a commercial firm, and residents were allowed to return to their homes.