Vermont State Police At 6:52pm on the night of August 23st, the Orleans Fire Department responded to the report of an explosion at a single-family home on 2056 Chapdelaine Road in Brownington (Orleans County). Upon arrival they found an explosion had occurred causing extensive damage to the building. A small fire in basement had self-extinguished. There was no one home at the time of the incident.
It was discovered by the owner Mr. Bowen upon returning home. The residence is not habitable due the structural damage. The family of five is being assisted by the Vermont Red Cross with temporary housing. The Fire Chief contacted the Department of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit and requested an investigation.
On 08/24/19, Investigators from the Department of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit responded to scene. Investigators were assisted on scene by 12 members of the Vermont Urban Search and Rescue Team in shoring up the building for structural stability and by a member of the Vermont Hazardous Material Response Team for LP Gas equipment expertise.
The investigation revealed nine 20-pound LP Gas tanks (grill size tanks) in the basement, one being used to fuel an instant hot water heater. The specific source and cause of the leak of LP Gas could not be determined. The investigation determined the probable ignition of the LP Gas causing the explosion was an electric water pump located in the basement.
The explosion/fire is classified as accidental. Anyone who may have any information pertaining to this fire may contact Investigator Stanley Baranowski at the phone number or e-mail provided.
SAFETY MESSAGE:
The Department of Public Safety warns everyone of the dangers of storing and using LP Gas tanks/cylinders inside of a building. The leaking of a tank can result in an explosion. The misuse of the gas can result in the production of Carbon Monoxide gas, and the presence of a tank that is involved in a fire could cause injury or death of a firefighter.
Incident / Fire Investigation – Brownington, Vermont
Case Number: 19A503334
FIRE INVESTIGATORS: Stanley Baranowski, Assistant State Fire Marshal – Division of Fire Safety
Michael Lacourse, Detective Sergeant – Division of State Police
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY OFFICE: Barre Regional Office – 1311 US Route 302, Berlin
CONTACT: 802-479-4434 or [email protected]
DATE/TIME: 08/23/19
INCIDENT LOCATION: 2056 Chapdelaine Road, Brownington
INCIDENT TYPE: Explosion/Fire
Homeowners: Christopher Bowen and Michelle Soulinere (and 3 children)