Appliance Fires:

In some cases, gas may burn out of control at an appliance. Usually it is enough to turn off the appliance at is own master shut-off valve. However, immediately contact the gas company. Do not turn on or attempt to restore gas service to the appliance or meter valve once it has been shut off.

Gas Detection:

Odors may originate from many causes including petroleum products such as gasoline, sewer or marsh gas, etc. Natural gas and propane gas are naturally odorless, but a distinct odorant, such as mercaptan or thiopane, has been added to make the gas more easily identifiable. Many people compare the smell of mercaptan or thiopane to that of rotten eggs. Any fire company that has gas detection equipment should be trained to use it correctly.

Gas in Manholes, Vaults and Sewers:

Notify the gas company immediately to assist you with identifying the type of gas involved. Do not attempt to extinguish the source if gas becomes ignited. Spray burning or combustible materials surrounding the manhole, vault or sewer. Rope off or barricade the area and prohibit smoking.

Always test the atmosphere of a manhole, vault or sewer before anyone enters, first with a gas detector and then for oxygen deficiency. Do not enter manholes, vaults or sewers if dangerous concentration of gas or vapors are known or suspected to be present. Do not enter manholes, vaults or sewers under any condition without standby assistance.

Temporarily vent manholes by removing the cover along with the covers on either side until free of gas. Wet down the manhole and the cover before removing to prevent a spark.

When first responders are required to enter a manhole, vault or sewer, take the following precautions:

All fire personnel should use self-contained breathing apparatus, and have a safety harness and life-line attached to them.

Operate in pairs.

A standby group should be on alert.

Charged hose lines equipped with fog nozzles should be placed on standby alert at the scene.

Check basements of adjoining buildings for evidence of gas. If found, ventilate by opening windows and doors. Extinguish open flame devices but do not operate electrical switches. If gas in involved, refer to the section titled “Gas is Escaping Inside a Building”.