HomeMy WebLinkAboutPropane10-06-11
Contact: Marty Doll, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • Fax 952-826-0390 • Web www.CityofEdina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Fire Department responds to fire fatality
Edina, Minn., June 11, 2010 – An Edina man died yesterday after catching fire while attempting to
drill holes in multiple propane gas tanks at his home at the corner of Maloney and Harrison avenues.
Investigators believe a spark from the man’s drill ignited propane gas vapors coming from the small
tanks.
Edina firefighter/paramedics responded to a 9-1-1call placed from the home shortly after noon on
Thursday, June 10, indicating a man had been found on fire in his garage. The fire was no longer
burning when crews arrived. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators from Edina, the State Fire Marshal’s office and the Hennepin County Medical
Examiner’s office are still unsure why the man had been drilling holes in the tanks. The case is under
investigation, and official autopsy results are expected in the coming week.
“This is a tragic incident,” said Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson. “Propane is an extremely flammable
gas. Tanks used for grills and other heating appliances should be disposed of properly and never be
modified in any way. Even a small amount of gas and a small spark can have fatal consequences.”
According to Jenson, propane gas tanks that no longer support a flame can still contain enough
flammable gas to cause an explosion. Used, refillable tanks should always be returned to a facility
that collects and refills them. Smaller, one-time-use tanks can be disposed of in the trash after
closely following the disposal instructions located on the label.
For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-
826-0330.
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