ORLEANS – Hazardous materials crews were called to Orleans about 2:30 PM Friday. Fire officials made the request for an issue with an underground propane tank on Nauset Heights Road.
From Orleans Fire-Rescue: On Friday 01 August 2025 at 2:30 PM, Orleans Fire-Rescue responded to leaking outdoor propane tank off Nauset Heights Road. On the arrival of the first crews, a local propane company had been called for a leak from a tank and was having difficulty securing it. Additional investigation found a significant leak from a 500 lb underground propane tank tank in the backyard of the residence. Safety precautions were taken and air metering found dangerous gas levels in the home. Evacuations were made of nearby residences. Due to the type of leak and its location, it could not easily be stopped. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials team was requested to the scene along with a regional propane gas emergency specialist.
A number of options were planned and tried to secure the leak with the ultimate and safest solution being to bleed the tank of remaining gas. This was done is a controlled and planned way that took about 30 minutes to complete. Some neighbors may have smelled gas temporarily during this process.
Crews were on scene until nearly 11:00 pm ensuring the safety of the home and neighbors.
This type of call was unusually complex for a propane leak but was brought to safe resolution through the cooperation and careful approach of all responders.
Special thanks to Orleans Police Department, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center, our many mutual
Aid partners who covered who covered other calls in Orleans, as well as the off-duty members of the department who came in from to respond to emergencies.
Photos by Orleans Fire-Rescue/CWN
