Propane Tank Explodes at Waterford Homeless Encampment

Post from Waterford Fire Engine Company No. 1:

This morning [Thursday, Jan. 8] at approximately 7:10 a.m., Waterford Emergency Communications Center dispatched Waterford Fire Engine Co 1, along with three other Waterford Fire Companies and Waterford Police,to the wooded area behind Charter Oak Bank at 3 Boston Post Rd. for a propane tank explosion.

Engine 11 responded with a crew of four volunteer firefighters and two career firefighters.

Arriving first due Engine 11 found that a propane tank had exploded in a homeless encampment, severely burning one person and igniting a tent and the belongings inside. The fire was extinguished with pressurized water extinguishers and the area overhauled to prevent recognition.

The injured male was transported by a Waterford ambulance and another female was transported by New London Fire Department ambulance for smoke inhalation.

Engine 11 released the other responding units to handle several other calls happening simultaneously around town. The Waterford and New London Fire Marshal Offices are investigating the incident.

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