L4 - Tank Explosion - Delaware City
January 24, 2013
On January 24th, 2013 at 18:58 hrs. Station 15 was alerted for a fire nature unknown in the area of 766 Governor Lea Road. Deputy 15 (Johnson) went responding at 19:02 hrs. While en-route to the scene 34-8B advised fireboard that several large propane tanks were involved and multiple explosions were taking place at the DuPont Red Lion facility. Moments later, Deputy Chief Johnson arrived on scene and filled the box to a L4 response. At that time, DuPont command was also established and a level 2 SERT was requested due to flying debris and the potential to puncture a nearby sulfuric acid tank. 15-4 with a crew of 4 arrived at 19:11 hrs and laid a supply line and placed a master stream into service. 29-8 (Speakman) was assigned operations, 15 Lt 1(Hall) was assigned accountability, and 12-4 officer was assigned as the staging officer. Accountability was immediately taken and all plant personnel were accounted for and uninjured. at 19:36 hrs the fire was contained and
all valves isolated. The crews from 15-7 and L18 assisted with suppression efforts while all incoming units staged on Governor Lea Road. Command placed the scene under control at 19:56 hrs and additional air monitoring was conducted to test the area for any remaining propane vapors. All units cleared by 20:20 hrs.
Paul H. Johnson, Sr
Deputy Chief
Delaware City Fire Co.