Central Ohio Today

3/21/23, B Unit was dispatched on a report of an explosion at the old Children's Home, at 525 E. Home Rd.  Responding companies were E5, E6, E7, T4, R1, M1, M4, M7, Battalion 1, Chief 2, Chief 3, EMS 1, Marshal 1 and Marshal 2.  A large scale  renovation project has been going on at the old Home complex, and workers were moving a large propane cylinder, when it fell and its valve was sheared off.  This released the propane, which, being heavier than air, traveled along the ground until it found an ignition source, which then caused multiple explosions.  

Master streams were used to control the fire venting from the propane cylinder, which was brought under control in just under 30 minutes.  Several buildings in the complex were severely damaged, along with three worker's cars.  Two workers were injured by the explosion and were transported and flown to the Miami Valley Hospital for treatment, with one other worker being treated at the scene by SFRD paramedics.   

This location is directly next to the Clark County Regional Dispatch Center and Fire Station 7, but neither building was damaged and all dispatchers stayed at their posts and worked this call, along with the many other 911 calls that came in from across the County at that time.    E7 and M7 were the first due SFRD units on scene, and there was a large response from Springfield Police and the Clark County Sheriff's Dept. 

Original source can be found here