Stop 38 – A Hazardous Environment

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Going into a burning building has gotten more dangerous over the years. New building materials and products, mixed with extreme heat, create new hazards. And even safety devices can fail.

On January fifteenth, two thousand seventeen, a vehicle fire inside the Benefiel Towing building spread until the whole building was involved. During the fight, a forklift's propane tank exploded while firefighters were inside. The tank was designed to vent propane safely when heated, but that safety feature failed.

Fortunately, no one was hurt. Afterward, neither the firefighters nor the authorities could recall ever seeing a propane tank explode. It's a reminder that in firefighting, even safety devices can't always keep you safe.