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Simpson County fire departments participated in a controlled propane burn Wednesday, August 29, 2018 in a vacant area near Tractor Supply.
The burn was conducted by the Mississippi State Fire Academy. All fire departments were hands on during the burn.
Anyone passing on highway 49 or who lived near the area probably thought the world was blowing up! The fire glow could be seen for miles.
Controlled burns are a method of teaching the firemen how to fight certain type fires in this case a propane fire.
The firemen of Simpson County are dedicated to our safety. We appreciate all their hard work.
Magee Fire Marshal Charlie Valadie stated:
“The MS State Fire Academy makes specialized training available to fire departments across the state concerning propane emergencies. Fire Coodinators can request this training, (all expenses are paid for through grant money received by the State), for the departments in their County. Propane is a gas that has very dangerous characteristics when released. It is put under extreme pressure when being placed in the containers & reduced to a liquid state. When released it returns to a gas & expands 270 times of what it is as a liquid. If ignited, it burns at 3600 degrees. If heated while in the container from an external source, the liquid returns to vapor inside the container & expands beyond the container’s ability to hold it. A volatile explosion can occur, with very damaging & sometimes deadly effects. Simpson County was given the opportunity to receive this training. The Mendenhall FD hosted the classroom portion prior to the field training which was hosted by Magee. 42 students attended the two day exercises. The training was a great success & provided some rather spectacular sights after dark.”