How to extinguish a fire from sudden LPG burst? Firefighters share safety tips

As many cases of fire were recorded caused by a sudden explosion from a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) tank, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have shared some fire safety tips on how to extinguish a fire from LPG tank.

According to Jun Veneracion’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday, one way to test leaks will be to wipe the LPG tank’s hose and valve using a sponge with soap and if bubbles are created, it means that there is a leak.

“Kapag nagluto tayo ang gawin natin linisin natin kahit isang beses sa isang linggo lang. Kapag may mga mantika ‘yan baka ngatngatin yan ng mga mababait nating mga bubwit sa bahay natin,” BFP Senior Fire Officer 3 Rei Kristian Cuevas said.

(We must clean our LPG tank at least once a week. When there is oil in it, the mice in our house might bite it.)

Authorities advised the public to remain calm when an open LPG tank catches fire due to a leak, noting that it will not explode immediately.

The BFP official said one can use a wet rag to put out the fire and immediately close the main valve. 

Meanwhile, the family of Antonia Opeña experienced a sudden burst of fire from an LPG tank inside their residence in Pasig City.

“Kinabahan po ako kasi dito po sa loob ng bahay nandyan po lahat ng mga anak ko eh sa taas, tulog sila,” Opeña said.

(I was nervous because it happened here inside the house, all my children were upstairs, they were asleep.)

Opeña said they were cooking in their home for her birthday on Wednesday when the LPG tank that had just been delivered suddenly caught fire.

“Hinagis ko po sa labas, paghagis ko po sa labas biglang gumanun po yung apoy, parang nakahigop siya ng maraming hangin,” Jay Opeña, relative of Antonia, said.

(I hurled it outside, when I did, the fire suddenly grew stronger because of the air.)

Based on the report of the BFP, at least 47 fires related to LPG explosions were recorded last 2021, while there were 10 related incidents this year.

The fire authorities reminded the public to remain vigilant and calm during an emergency situation, adding that having a fire extinguisher inside the house will help to put out the fire.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News