Propane tank incident causes resident evacuation

Waltham emergency crews responded to 18 Brewster Road around noon Monday after a propane tank on the property blew a relief valve. 

The incident prompted officials to evacuate the home and nearby properties as a precaution while crews worked to secure the tank and ventilate the area. Several nearby streets were closed during the response. No injuries were reported.

The propane tank had been filled the previous Friday by Eastern Propane, which also responded to the scene. A representative from the company explained that the relief valve is a safety feature designed to pop off when the gas pressure becomes too great inside the tank. The valve’s release prevents an explosion.

According to the representative, the temperature difference between Friday and Monday could have caused the gas to expand inside the tank, creating increased pressure. The relief valve could have been damaged by the winter ice and snow, or the tank could have been overfilled during Friday’s servicing. The tank is currently being inspected by Eastern Propane to determine the cause of the valve release.

Waltham Fire Department was contacted but did not provide comment.