Thursday April, 30 2026 @ 14:27

Nature: Gas Leak

Location: 32019 Ivory Gull Way Peninsula Lakes, DE 19966

On Thursday afternoon, April 30^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a gas leak incident on Ivory Gull Way in the Peninsula Lakes development off Bay Farm Road.  It was reported that the propane tank to the gas grill will not turn off.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Engine 80 from the Long Neck facility and Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility.  Both units were already mitigating an earlier automatic fire alarm incident and responded to this incident.

Emergency response crew assignments included an initial evaluation and discussion with the residents while assistance was being tendered.  Tanker 80 awaited at the hydrant at Tributary & Ivory Gull.

It appears that the residents recently purchased a replacement propane tank for their gas grill that appears to have a defective shut off value.  Assistance was provided at the incident location and Engine 80 provided assistance to the residents by transporting the propane back to the place of procurement for replacement.

All other emergency apparatus was authorized to return to their respective quarters.

A portable propane tank with a defective shut-off valve is a safety hazard that should be addressed immediately. The valve, often called an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valve, is designed to seal the tank. If it fails, the tank can leak gas.

?? Immediate Safety Actions:

• Do not attempt to force the valve with excessive tools if it is stuck, as this can break the handle, leaving you with a stuck, open valve.

• Do not store the leaking tank inside your home, garage, or near any ignition source.

• Do move the tank to a well-ventilated, outdoor area.

• Do use a soap-and-water solution (50% liquid soap, 50% water) on the valve to confirm where it is leaking.