Propane Leak at FLHS Forces School Evacuation

 
By YP Lieutenant Graham Glauber
December 3, 2007
 

Just as students were starting their third period class for a normal day at Fox Lane High School, the fire alarm for the building was tripped, forcing students and faculty to exit to the football and soccer fields.

Following standard protocol for dispatch on a commercial alarm, Tower Ladder 14 from Mt. Kisco was requested to the scene. Arriving Car 2043 met with building officials, and updated the incident to a propane leak inside and in close proximity to the building. The gas line was ruptured in error by workers working on the new addition to the back of the school.

Tower Ladder 14, Mini Attack 7, and Engine 108 set up in the parking lot near the ruptured gas line, and coordinated a plan with Car 2041 and Battalion 16. A representative from the Westchester County Hazardous Materials division was on hand as well. For additional hose, equipment, and manpower, Bedford Hills was requested to the scene bringing Car 2032, 2033, and Engine 198. Precautionary lines were stretched to/from Engine 198, Mini Attack 7, and Tower Ladder 14 until the "all clear" was given.

Students were quickly moved from the cold weather out on the football field to awaiting school buses; others were moved to the Fox Lane Middle School Central Building and Gym.

Engine 113 from Pound Ridge was relocated to our firehouse for the duration of the call.

 
Units: Car 2041, Car 2043, Engine 108, Mini Attack 7
 
Mutual Aid: Mt. Kisco Tower Ladder 14, Bedford Hills Car 2032, Car 2033, Engine 198, Pound Ridge Engine 113 (stand by at Bedford), Battalion 16, WC Hazmat Car 2001, Bedford Police