Propane tank leak prompts evacuations in Hazel Dell

A leaking propane tank prompted a road closure and evacuation of two houses Saturday in Hazel Dell, according to Clark County Fire District 6.

Firefighters were called in at 2:55 p.m. to investigate a smell of gas near the intersection of Northeast Highway 99 and Northeast 106th Street.

“There was a cloud of propane that was basically moving down the street,” said Fire District 6 Battalion Chief Brian Johnson. “It was hugging the ground and dispersing down 106th Street.”

Firefighters traced the leak to a 200-gallon propane tank at JKW Lumber Co., 1501 N.E. 106th St. and called in assistance from a hazardous materials team from the Vancouver Fire Department.

Fire District 6 crews evacuated two residences and blocked off Northeast 106th Street as a precaution.

“There was enough propane leaked out to create a serious problem,” Johnson said.

The hazmat team traced the leak to a damaged hose on the tank and shut off the flow of gas. The cloud eventually dissipated to where it was no longer dangerous, Johnson said.

“The rain is helping,” Johnson said. “The rain is washing through it and stirring it up. The fact that it’s outside is helpful, as well.”

Johnson said the crews were clearing from the scene by 5:30 p.m. and the displaced residents were allowed back in their homes.