PW, I was told it exploded soon after our first Fire Engine arrived. I am assuming it was a small BBQ type of tank, which as you are aware are very common. What happens when they are exposed to fire is that the pressure inside the tank increases due to the rising temperature and the tank will eventually fail. In fire terms this is called a "BLEVE" or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion!! Lot of words for an EXPLOSION! Obviously when this happens it can kill people and sometimes it does. I have had a few near misses in my career! The best thing for you to do is obviously prevent fires from happening. But if one occurs, do your best to get the tank to a safe place, but if you cannot do that safely, make sure you get away from the tank and let us know when we arrive what's going on and where the tank is. We usually don't have much of a problem identifying this scenario, due to the fact the these tanks will start "venting" off their contents prior to the tank failing. You will never forget the noise this makes when it happens. It sounds like a jet engine! Thanks for your interest and be safe!

Thanks for the info, JIm! I'll be sure to pass it on! Be safe!