FARGO (KFGO-AM) - Fargo firefighters battled a large propane tank fire at Fargo apartment building Sunday.
The fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. behind the New Horizons Manor high-rise at 2525 North Broadway.
First crews found flames shooting high into the air from the top of the 1,000 gallon propane tank and immediately started pouring water on it and two adjacent 1,000 gallon tanks to keep them cool. There was also a loud roar as the propane escaped the tank.
Fire Chief Steve Dirksen says such fires are extremely dangerous with compressed gas inside and high heat, the ends of the tanks can blow out, causing an explosion.
The fire was brought under control about 4:15 p.m. Firefighters took air measurements in the building's large garage nearest the fire and at a senior citizens apartment next door to make sure there was no gas build-up. Residents of the 10 story building were evacuated as a precaution. There were no injuries. The building is owned by the Fargo Housing Authority.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.