Propane Tank Leak Forces Springfield Retirement Home Evacuations

SPRINGFIELD, VA—Residents from over 100 units at a Springfield retirement home had to evacuate and relocate due to propane tank leaks Sunday afternoon. No injuries were reported.

Fairfax County and Fort Belvoir firefighters responded to an odor of gas at the Greenspring retirement community in the 7400 block of Spring Village Drive around 2:30 p.m.

Crews began moving 168 residents from 108 units to a safe part of the building while the hazardous material team responded. Two 1000-gallon propane tanks were found leaking and rolled down a hill.

Although the tanks were emitting a vapor of gas, they were structurally sound. The team worked to turn off the tank valves, which involved digging up one tank buried in the mud.

Residents returned to their units after the tanks had been turned off and the leaks secured. The fire departments remained on scene to ventilate the building.

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Image via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue