April 3, 2023 - Mammoth Lakes Police Department officials report on Juniper Road explosion on April 1, 2023.

Buried propane lines and regulators are an imminent threat to life and property. To mitigate threat, lines and regulators must be cleared of snow and ice where propane enters the home.

Emergency Crews were on scene of an explosion on the 200 block of Juniper Road. The single-family home was unoccupied at the time of the explosion, which occurred at approximately 1:30 A.M. on April 1, 2023. The explosion likely caused a structure fire, which resulted in the evacuation of nearby residences. Additionally, the fire caused snowmelt flooding, resulting in the evacuation of a nearby condominium complex. First Responders, including Mutual Aid Resources, have completed searching the area for victims. Safety personnel continued to monitor the fire and evaluate the surrounding buildings.

Take time to clear snow and ice from your propane pipes, valves, regulators, and tanks. In addition, do not bury your tank or the connection to your house from snow from your roof or when removing snow with equipment. Heavy accumulations of snow or ice falling on tanks, regulators, meters, piping, or valves may cause damage that could result in a gas leak.

BE ALERT – if you smell gas immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY, and from a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call 9-1-1. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR THE AREA until it is safe to do so.

Source & photos: Mammoth Lakes Police Department