COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio (August 19, 2025) — Superior Energy Systems — designer and installer of propane infrastructure, including midstream terminals, bulk and industrial plants and autogas dispensers — advocates ongoing propane fire safety training for fire departments nationwide.
Training can typically be coordinated through a fire department’s state propane gas association, often at low or no cost. In its home state of Ohio, Superior Energy Systems recently participated in propane fire safety training for the Columbia Township Fire Department, conducted on behalf of the Ohio Propane Gas Association by Bob Herron, owner and president of Safety Training and More, LLC.
Two separate sessions of training — for first- and second-shift firefighters — outlined through a morning classroom session and an afternoon live-burn the keys to propane fire safety training in the event of a structure fire. According to Herron, the most crucial step upon arrival at a fire involving a propane tank is to terminate the gas supply. There are specific steps to achieve that, which is incorporated into the training.
Another important strategy is to apply water to a propane tank as soon as possible with a fire hose to cool it so it doesn’t overheat and become involved in the fire.
“Education is everything,” said Mike Walters, Superior Energy Systems vice president of safety and fleet. “As an industry, we should partner with the fire service to emphasize the importance of education and that we are here to help you. We’re willing to teach you about propane and propane systems whether they be residential, commercial or industrial.”
Herron said that funding for the Columbia Township Fire Department training came from multiple sources, including the Propane Education & Research Council, the National Propane Gas Association, and the Ohio Propane Gas Association.
This meant that there was no cost to the fire department. The training itself took place at the Columbia Township garage.
“If we train you and you know how to safely manage a fire involving propane, you protect the propane company’s customer and assets, along with the firefighters,” Herron said. Walters added the ongoing training, perhaps annually, is simply a matter of common sense. “Having the facts about propane’s behavior and the intricacies of the systems will aid in split-second decision-making on site when lives and property are at stake,” he said.
To learn more about propane fire safety training, reach out to Superior Energy Systems. For other articles related to propane safety, check out these other articles from BPN.
