Bellmore neighborhood under shelter-in-place order after propane leaks at filling station
Firefighters at the scene Monday of a propane leak at a liquefied petroleum gas filling station in Bellmore that led to a shelter-in-place order for residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Credit: Jim Staubitser
A shelter-in-place order was in effect for a Bellmore neighborhood late Monday as first responders attempted to stop a propane leak at a liquefied petroleum gas filling station, the authorities said.
Residents on the blocks surrounding the station at 2036 Bellmore Ave., which is home to Island Greenery Nursery, were being advised to stay inside, according to a news release from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office. The nursery is located near Martin Avenue.
There were no immediate reports of injuries, and fire officials did not say what possible safety concerns were posed by the leak.
The Bellmore Fire Department arrived on scene at 5:56 p.m. to address a leak from a valve on a 1,150-gallon cylinder used to fill smaller 20 pound cylinders, such as a barbecue tank.
Representatives from the county Fire Marshal's Office were on scene as well as hazardous materials crews. A Newsday photo from the scene shows firefighters spraying water near a building and what appears to be a large tank to its right. To the building's left, a bright orange flame can be seen leaping skyward. There was no immediate reports of a related fire.
The fire marshal's hazmat team was attempting to lower the pressure in the cylinder and prevent a leak of additional propane gas.
A vendor also responded with additional valves to attempt a repair, when safe to do so, the Bellmore Fire Department Fire Department said in a news release.
The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management was coordinating sheltering, the release said. They will also assist first responders in need of a break during what is expected to be an extended operation.
The Bellmore Fire Department's incident commander was overseeing the overall response.
Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.
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