Firefighters Supported Five-Hour Hazmat Operation in Scituate

North Scituate, R.I. — October 7 — The Chopmist Hill Volunteer Fire Department handled a hazardous materials situation on Hartford Pike on October 7 after a skid steer collided with an underground propane tank, leading to a major leak.

The emergency was reported around 11:30 a.m. on the 900 block of Hartford Pike. Engine 62 and Tanker 61 arrived from Station 60.When they got there, they found out that a landscaper had hit one of four underground propane tanks while removing brush.

All Scituate fire stations were sent to the scene, with Engine 41, Ladder 22, and Rescue 1 responding along with Harmony Engine 21. Northern Control asked for more hazardous materials support, and the Woonsocket Regional Hazmat Team arrived under Mutual Aid Box 2830-2. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Emergency Response team and the Providence Canteen also provided assistance.

Firefighters stayed at the scene for about five hours while hazmat teams performed a controlled flaring operation to burn off the remaining propane in the damaged 500-gallon tank.

This operation needed close coordination among local firefighters, hazmat experts, and state emergency responders.

Ten members of the Chopmist Hill Fire Department were involved in the incident. The department, located at 1362 Chopmist Hill Road in North Scituate, often works with nearby agencies to support emergency efforts.

This response showed the importance of regional mutual-aid systems in supplying trained personnel and resources during hazardous materials emergencies.