A torch that has been burning propane vapor at a Rymes Propane & Oil facility on Route 202 in Antrim since Oct. 19 is part of a standard process when tank valves are changed or tanks are cleaned, according to Antrim Fire Chief Marshal Gale.
The procedure is part of the process to release propane vapor in the tanks, and the fire department was well aware of the procedure ahead of time, Gale said.
“They always let us know when they’re doing these burnoffs and it’s well within the rules and regulations,” Gale said. “People see the flame at night and have good intents, but it’s the safest and most environmentally friendly way to do it.”
Keith Goodwin, a representative for Rymes, said tanks must be completely empty before any valve replacements are completed.
“Once the liquid is gone you have to burn the vapor off,” Goodwin said, adding that the length of the burn depends on the size of the tank. “It’s the safest way to do it.”
Al Griffeth of Combustion Services from McEwen, Tenn., was working on-site Monday morning. He said the burn was to lower the pressure in the tanks before starting the maintenance work. The liquid propane was moved to another tank before the remaining vapor was burned off.
“It’s the same thing you have in your house, just not in a liquid state,” he said.
Griffeth said the company did something similar last year before installing refill valves. This year, the work will be repairing valves at the bottom of one of the tanks. The burning is scheduled to conclude Tuesday.
Bill Fonda contributed to this story.