Edmond Home Explosion

[DavidMcmillan]

Terrible event, and prayers for the family.

I don’t know enough about propane systems so I am interested in the “illegal fireplace starter”. Any of you know what that could be? They made it sound like it is only related to propane systems.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

Terrible event, and prayers for the family.

I don’t know enough about propane systems so I am interested in the “illegal fireplace starter”. Any of you know what that could be? They made it sound like it is only related to propane systems.

Link to the info you quote?

 

[xseler]

Sounds like a plain piece of capped black pipe that had holes drilled into it.

 

[John6185]

Propane must have been fairly think inside the home for a coffee pot to be plugged in which set off the explosion I would think. It's that button that one pushes to create a spark that ignites the flames. It should have been installed by a professional and pressure-tested to ensure there were no leaks. Maybe it was and it became defective? I can somehow sense lawyers lining up around the block of where the home used to be... Previous owners may have some responsibility.... It is bad overall for all parties involved.
Gas Starters in Fireplaces & Safety | Hunker

 

[dennishoddy]

Wife read me some story tonight that the fireplace starter didn't have the auto shut off device that turns off the flow of propane when the pilot light goes off similar to a cold water heater or home furnace of old. I think the new units pretty much have electronic ignition.
Don't have a clue who installed it, but that is all I know.

 

[steelfingers]

Prayers

 

[O4L]

I can't believe it took so long for this thread to get started.

I saw it all over every local news station this morning and that house was completely wiped out.

It is amazing that anyone made it out of there alive.

 

[DavidMcmillan]

Again, I showing my lack of knowledge of propane. Isn’t there an odor similar to natural gas? That was a very large home so there must have been a large presence of gas.

 

[dennishoddy]

Again, I showing my lack of knowledge of propane. Isn’t there an odor similar to natural gas? That was a very large home so there must have been a large presence of gas.

Propane is heavier than air. It can be in a layer 3' deep on the floor and you won't smell it while standing.
If your home or RV has a propane detector, it's located less than 1' from the floor.
Edit: Natural gas is lighter than air, so the detectors are located close to the ceiling

 

[TwoForFlinching]

Must be why the water heater code has it 18" off the garage floor