Firefighters’ Quick Action Keeps Middletown Blaze From Reaching Thousands of Pounds of Propane

A massive multi-agency firefighting operation successfully prevented a four-alarm fire from spreading to thousands of pounds of propane stored just feet from the burning structure, averting what could have become a far more dangerous incident.

As previously reported, the fire broke out at a storage facility in front of the Blue Flame property, where arriving firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.

The greatest concern quickly became the propane stored nearby. Approximately 3,000 pounds of propane was located just two to three feet from the burning facility, while much larger storage tanks, with capacity of up to 20,000 gallons, stood roughly 30 feet away.

Firefighters immediately concentrated efforts on protecting and cooling the propane tanks while simultaneously attacking the structure fire, preventing the intense heat and flames from reaching the nearby fuel supply.

The response grew into a major mutual-aid operation involving volunteer fire departments from Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. At its height, the operation included two tower ladders, nine engines, eight tankers and two EMS rehabilitation units.

With no hydrant district serving the location, a tanker task force was established to continuously bring water to firefighters at the scene.

Authorities temporarily shut down nearby Route 17 and evacuated about 10 people within a 1,000-foot radius as a precaution while crews worked to bring the dangerous situation under control.

Despite the close proximity of the propane and the intensity of the fire, crews succeeded in keeping the flames from spreading to the major propane storage area. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.