Propane Tank Explodes, Ignites Brush in Topanga

A hazardous materials team was summoned Saturday morning to the scene of a noninjury house fire in the unincorporated Topanga area where a 1,000-gallon propane tank exploded, causing neighboring homes to be evacuated, a fire department dispatcher said.

The fire at a one-story residence at Sischo and Observation drives was reported at 10:41 p.m. Friday and was knocked down at 11:22 p.m., said Andre Gougis, a dispatch supervisor with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The house was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, Gougis said.

The tank explosion ignited brush that was quickly extinguished, but nearby homes were evacuated and the area was cordoned off as a precaution, he said.

A hazmat team was called to deal with the damaged propane tank, he said.