Explosive levels of propane found under local family home, how to stay safe

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Bowling Green family is thanking firefighters and spreading awareness after their home reached explosive levels of propane Monday morning.

Jessica and Josh Heffinger had spent several days thinking they were smelling a dead animal under their home.

They purchased a detector for gas leaks and took it throughout the house, yet heard no alert.

Then the smell got worse, and Josh Heffinger took the detector under the house looking for a dead animal, but the detector went off immediately. 

911 was called, and the fire department showed up quickly to assess the situation, finding explosive levels of propane trapped under the house. 

The family and their dog, Blue, made it out of the house safely, with only headaches as firefighters got the situation handled. 

Now, the family is hoping to inform the public about what to watch out for with propane and carbon monoxide after the scary experience. 

“”It was just a lot of emotions all at one time, right? Just scared, anxious, what’s going to happen, and so we called 911. Alvaton Fire Department got there within minutes. They went into the house, detected the leak and said that it was at explosive levels. It’s just been a blessing to have such a supportive community but also very scary,” said Heffinger.

Jack Todd, the Warren County Fire Coordinator, shared some safety tips to help others stay safe as the use of propane, which produces carbon monoxide, will increase as cold temperatures approach.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that replaces the oxygen in your body and can cause serious injury or death.

Fireplaces, stoves, running vehicles, generators and more release carbon monoxide.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion.

Propane gas is highly flammable and is heavier than air, so it collects on low lying areas like basements or crawl spaces. 

It typically smells like rotten eggs and sometimes makes a hissing sound as it leaks. 

If you suspect a propane leak, avoid using any switches or flames and get all people and pets outside to fresh air immediately before calling 911.

Todd says everyone should have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every floor of their home, especially near sleeping areas.