Gas Leak Incident at Keene Restaurant Quickly Contained

The Keene Fire Department responded after being alerted to a potential explosion linked to the restaurant's carbon dioxide storage system.

A carbon dioxide leak at The Perch, located on Main Street in Keene, triggered an evacuation but was swiftly managed by local firefighters Sunday night, with no injuries reported. 

The Keene Fire Department responded to the scene around 6:15 p.m. after receiving alerts about a potential explosion linked to the restaurant's carbon dioxide storage system. Patrons began evacuating as the situation unfolded. Emergency crews arrived promptly, with Deputy Chief Gregory Seymour assessing the scene and noting no damage outside the establishment. Upon investigating a hissing sound at the rear of the building, firefighters identified the source as a 60-gallon carbon dioxide cylinder venting through its pressure release valve.

As reported, approximately 25% of the tank’s contents had leaked prior to their arrival. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control within roughly 15 minutes, subsequently ventilating the establishment to ensure safe air quality levels. Monitoring equipment confirmed that the carbon dioxide levels were within safe limits.

The scene was cleared by approximately 6:41 p.m., and no property damage occurred during the incident. The Perch has reopened, although its carbon dioxide system is temporarily out of service while repairs and inspections are conducted. The cause of the leak is still under investigation by officials from the Keene Fire Marshal’s Office.

Carbon dioxide systems are regularly used in restaurants for beverage carbonation, but they can be hazardous in confined areas as they can displace oxygen, potentially leading to serious health risks such as unconsciousness or asphyxiation.