Emergency crews responded Friday to a hazardous materials incident involving an underground propane tank after a valve was accidentally sheared off, causing gas to leak.

Teams from Berkeley Hazmat and other agencies from Ocean and Monmouth County worked together to contain the leak. Responders used a propane flare operation to safely burn off the escaping gas and make the area safe.

The newly-formed Lakewood Hazmat Unit was on scene for approximately seven hours, operating its propane flare alongside the other agencies.

Chief Yahr commented on the response:

“I would like to thank Berkeley Hazmat for allowing us to assist them on this response. The experience for our members working alongside their team is invaluable. Even better, we were able to use some of our newly purchased equipment to help Berkeley mitigate the situation. The Lakewood Hazmat Unit has a storied past as one of the state’s first hazmat response units but had to stop responding in 2005 due to manpower issues. Now, thanks to the Fire District’s dedication to public safety and training, we celebrate a new beginning for Hazmat response.”