West Bradford firefighters, along with the Chester County Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team (Station 15), responded to an hazardous materials incident on the 2000 block of Arrowhead Trail in West Bradford Township earlier today.

After filling a 500 gallon underground propane tank, the delivery driver was disconnecting the fill hose when the tank valve failed, resulting in an uncontrolled discharge of liquid propane. After calling 911, the gas co. employee attempted unsuccessfully to stop the leak.

The first arriving engine established a water supply and deployed a protective line. An additional engine was added to the assignment and fire police requested to close the street. Crews checked the residence for gas and secured the power. Chester County HAZMAT team evaluated the situation, and after a flare was set up to burn off the gas to a point where the valve could be changed out. At 0125, the pressure in the tank was lowered enough to replace the value, and the HAZMAT team was released.

The responding firefighters would like to thank the neighborhood resident that provided several bags of McDonald's food and coffee to the crew. Thanks to our mutual aid companies as well!