Stephentown Fire Department Hosts Paraco Propane Drill
by David Flint
It was 47 years ago that a propane truck went out of control on the Plank Road hill and caused the great Berlin fire. On July 25, the anniversary date, many people in this area still stop and recall the day with a shudder.
The disaster has left residents, and especially firefighters in Berlin and surrounding towns, with a healthy respect for the potential hazards of propane.
Stephentown Fire Chief Rich Burgess was pleased last week to be able to host a three-day emergency response and safety training program on dealing with propane leaks and fires. The training was conducted by Paraco Gas of New Lebanon. Fire Lieutenant Jamieson Pelletier, who is employed by Paraco, was instrumental in bringing this about.
Some 30 fire fighters from Stephentown and surrounding communities including Berlin, New Lebanon, Grafton, West Hoosick, Hoags Corners and Tsatsawassa participated in the training led by Paraco’s Director of Safety Operations Michael DiGiorgio. Following two evening classroom sessions, the program culminated in a hands-on demonstration session on Saturday, August 29, at the Muster Field on Grange Hall Road. Paraco set up a propane tank simulator in the field and brought in a tank truck to supply it with propane. Firefighters and company technicians were shown the proper way to approach a leaking or burning tank, how to cut off the fuel supply if possible, disperse vapors, douse flames, cool down the tank and stop the leak with the appropriate repairs whether it be patching, plugging or capping the leak. Somewhere between 300 and 500 gallons of propane were used for the demonstration.
Paraco Regional Manager Paul Marshall said his company, which has 22 locations in seven states but has been in New Lebanon only since last October, has found it mutually beneficial to provide this training to emergency responders in the communities they serve. They normally conduct this sort of training about three times a year in different locations in their service area.
Fire Chief Burgess said Stephentown fortunately has not had to deal with any propane fires but they have responded to a number of release valves blown off tanks, three or four such calls this year alone. One of these occurred just this past May at a day care center on Route 20. He applauded Paraco for bringing this type of in-depth training to Stephentown. Fire fighters do get a few hours in their basic fire courses in dealing with propane, but most have not received this kind of detailed and hands-on instruction.
Burgess expressed appreciation also for the Berlin Fire Company which provided two additional trucks for the occasion and also brought down an ambulance for stand-by to replace Stephentown’s ambulance which was out on a call.
The Berlin Ladies Auxiliary also was on the scene all day providing much appreciated food and refreshments. “They have made things run a lot smoother and have taken a load off me,” Burgess said.