New Jersey Hosts Propane Emergency Response Workshop

This summer, the New Jersey Propane Gas Association hosted a successful Propane Emergency Response Workshop at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, bringing first responders and propane industry professionals together for a full day of classroom and hands-on training.

NJPGA partnered with the Middlesex County Office of the Fire Marshal, which provided the use of the academy for the workshop. Funding was supported through a 1:1 match between the New Jersey Propane Education & Research Foundation and the Propane Education & Research Council.

Dennis Cruise of Propane Training Services began the day with classroom instruction covering propane properties, bulk and non-bulk containers, combustion, transportation, common uses, and key safety and emergency response concepts. Participants then moved outdoors to connect that instruction with the real-world equipment and response scenarios.

Outdoor training included transport and bobtail operations, propane equipment components, container evacuation methods, and emergency response techniques. Spencer Willis of C Three Logistics reviewed transport equipment and connections, while Rich Van Orden of Star Group provided hands-on instruction involving propane equipment and container evacuation. John Cruise of Propane Training Services then led firefighters through a live-response exercise focused on approaching the emergency, deflecting heat, cooling the container, and safely shutting off the source.

The Association hopes this workshop encourages more propane companies, fire departments, and industry organizations to invest in collaborative emergency response training in their own communities. NJPGA thanks the Middlesex County Office of the Fire Marshal, the academy’s instructors, participating companies, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who helped provide equipment, logistics, and support throughout the day.