Propane Leak at Timken Triggers Action from Keene Fire Department

Emergency crews received the alert just prior to 1:40 p.m. regarding a venting propane tank within the facility’s designated tank farm area.

On Thursday afternoon, firefighters from Keene were called to respond to a propane leak at Timken Super Precision, situated on Optical Avenue. The team quickly took measures to manage the situation without necessitating any evacuations.  

Deputy Fire Chief Gregory Seymour indicated that emergency crews received the alert just prior to 1:40 p.m. regarding a venting propane tank within the facility’s designated tank farm area. Upon arrival, firefighters who had just been dispatched from another emergency found the reported leak.  

Firefighters utilized hose streams to help disperse the vapors and endeavored to address the leak manually. Most of the leak was effectively controlled, significantly mitigating any potential hazards associated with the propane vapors.  

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. An engine company remained on-site to monitor the situation until representatives from the propane supplier arrived to perform repairs and ensure the environment was secure.  

Seymour mentioned that details regarding the potential impacts on Timken’s operations were not disclosed, but he affirmed that the incident was under control and that fire units were starting to clear the area.  

In unrelated news, a tragic accident claimed the life of a Munsonville man whose pickup truck veered off Gulf Road in Northfield, MA, struck a tree, and caught fire.  

In other local developments, Eversource announced that its electric system is ready to manage increased demand due to an upcoming heatwave. Additionally, the Planning, Licenses and Development Committee has moved forward with a zoning ordinance revision to align the city’s definition of “family” with state law. Meanwhile, a petition aimed at creating a state law regarding bullying-related suicides has garnered over 1,600 signatures, originating from the death of a Keene Middle School student.