A recent inspection of LP (propane) tanks by Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence and Dave Deeson, deputy state fire marshal, led to the discovery of a half dozen LP tanks that are too close to buildings and in violation of a Minnesota 1930s state code.
A verbal complaint about one LP tank located too close to a building led Silence to call the state fire marshal for assistance. When Deeson arrived, they made a short walk around town and discovered as many as half a dozen LP (propane) tanks located too close to places of occupancy.
Silence and Deeson came before the city council on Wednesday, November 29 with an update on the inspection.
When propane tanks are too close to a building they can leak, and the gas can get into a building and blow it up, said Deeson, who cited one case where four people were killed from an explosion caused by one leaky tank.
Only small 125-pound tanks—a bubble tank— and under are allowed next to buildings. Deeson said codes were written to keep larger propane tanks 10 feet or further as a barrier from structures.
Councilor Tim Kennedy asked about enforcement for non-compliant tanks. Deeson said some of the liability relies on the gas companies bringing in the containers. He said gas companies know when a tank isn’t compliant.
City administrator Mike Roth said, “Now we are talking about code enforcement. We do not have the resources to do code enforcement. Ben is a volunteer fire chief. We pay him a couple of hundred dollars. He is not going to walk around town and enforce this issue.”
However, said Deeson, because Silence is the fire chief, he is the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) in this matter.
Generally, through friendly cooperation with the fire chief calling the propane companies and reminding them that they are filling some tanks that are not correctly located, and with encouragement to the owners of the tanks to move the tank to the proper setbacks, this issue can be settled, said Deeson.
With the assistance of Deeson, Silence will write letters to the three gas companies who sell propane here and ask them to help in this matter.
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