At Delta Liquid Energy, we believe in not only providing top-notch propane services but also ensuring that our community remains safe. A recent incident and subsequent collaboration with Cal Fire underscored the importance of shared knowledge and preparedness in handling propane-related emergencies.
The Incident: On the evening of Monday, August 12th, a property fire broke out in the Jardine area of East Paso Robles, drawing an immediate response from Cal-Fire. The next morning, images broadcasted on the news showed the intense fire and a propane tank’s relief valve actively discharging — a safety feature designed to prevent tank pressure from becoming too high. Our team arrived on site Tuesday morning, closely following Cal Fire unit #52.
Collaboration Unfolds: At the scene, we met Cal Fire Captain, Marcus Dunlap who expressed an interest in deepening their understanding of propane equipment used in emergencies. We promptly agreed to assist and were visited at our DLE facility two days later. During this visit, we examined their extensive inventory of adapters, hoses, and flare equipment, capable of handling connections from a semi-truck transport down to a 1lb cylinder.
In-Depth Exchange: We engaged in a productive 45-minute session of “shop talk,” discussing best and worst-case scenarios and the most effective approaches for either transferring or flaring fuel. We also inspected three of our eight bobtails, yard emergency shut-off valves, and the general operation of industry-standard equipment.
Building Future Safety Initiatives: The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement on the benefits of ongoing collaboration. Capt. Dunlap suggested that our Delta crew could greatly benefit from observing some of Cal Fire’s training exercises that are relevant to the LPG industry. This initiative promises to enhance our understanding and further strengthen our ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
This collaboration with Cal Fire is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-standing relationship that not only enhances our team’s capabilities but also contributes significantly to community safety. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can better protect our community and ensure that our team and the local fire departments are prepared for any propane-related challenges.