The Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to a propane leak on Kipimana Street between Melekahiwa Place and Kalapa Place in the Shipman Industrial Area on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 11:04 a.m.
Upon arrival of first HFD units, firefighters found a large vapor cloud noted in the area moving with light winds. Traffic was stopped to the Shipman Industrial area. The source was identified as a torn off fill valve located at the bottom of a 20-foot Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) shipping container (24 square meters/ ~6,300 gallons)
The cause was determined to be that an accidental filling valve was sheared off
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An unknown amount of LPG in the liquid state released from a sheared fill valve on a 20 foot LPG shipping container. Liquid LPG formed a large ice flow of LPG under the container, which released a large cloud of visible propane gas. The cloud, which can be highly flammable, moved over the surrounding area in the variable winds and raining conditions. Propane is heavier than air.
HFD and HPD units closed all traffic to the Shipman Industrial area, neighboring properties were instructed to shelter in place and extinguish any outside flame/industrial sources, vehicles included.
HFD HazMat unit used monitors to assess the flammable zone of the propane and dispersed the cloud with water fog nozzles. Because the leak was liquid, the source was depleted quickly, and once the gas was dispersed, the area reopened to commerce. No injuries were reported.
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UPDATE: 12:20 PM, Thursday, April 11, 2019
The Hawai‘i Fire Department reports the propane tank leak in the Shipman Industrial Park has stabilized.
ORIGINAL POST 11:45 AM, Thursday, April 11, 2019
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The Hawai‘i Fire Department reports a propane tank leak occurred in the Shipman Industrial Park area on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 11:45 a.m.
The following advisories are issued:
If you are in the area, the fire department advises to shelter in place.
Fire and Police have areas of the Industrial Park closed off.
Stay out of the area until the situation is stabilized.
There are no other closures at this time.
Conditions are being monitored and you will be kept informed of any changes that may affect your safety.
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