Forest Fire Mitigation Strategies for Propane Tank
It can seem like the best thing to do in fire prone areas is to get rid of the propane tank altogether. Surely there are other options around. Well, don’t go searching for them. You can keep your propane tank and protect your
home at the same time.
You’ll want to buy your propane tank rather than rent it. Most rental agreements make it clear that you have to keep the tank above ground. That’s not going to keep your property safe, and it’s going to cost you more in the long run.
Protecting your home isn’t going to be cheap. It is going to be the best investment for you, your family, and the entire community, though.
Why Put Your Tank Below Ground
When you buy your own tank, you can get the backhoe to dig a deep hole in the yard. This needs to be big enough for the propane tank to sit comfortably.
If you don’t have the time or ability to do this, it’s worth hiring someone. The soil around your tank will help to keep the pressure to a minimum. If there is a fire, you won’t see the tank explode.
What to Do If You Have an Above Ground Tank
If you don’t have the choice of buying the tank just yet, you’ll need to manage the tank above ground. The first thing to do is to make sure the area around it is weeded fully. Don’t allow any trees to hang over the top. As pressure rises, the valve is going to pop off and the tank is going to explode.
A bare ground beneath the tank is the best thing you can get. As pine needles and leaves fall, you’ll be able to sweep them up immediately. Putting gravel or stones underneath leads to pine needles getting trapped and left behind.
Handling Screens If Needed
Some HOAs will require screens around propane tanks. The aim is to preserve the curb appeal, but the HOAs aren’t necessarily thinking about safety concerns.
You don’t need a flammable screen. Opt for stone or cinderblock around it. If you have a wood fence already there, you could remove it and replace it with something better to prevent the spread of fire and rising pressure. If you can’t do that make sure the wood is treated with a fire-retardant cover and add gravel around the outside to create a firebreak. You’ll need to make sure you clean out any pine needles that fall.