A ruptured propane tank at the construction site adjacent to the Fritz Pollard Athletic Center forced the evacuation of several nearby UND buildings this afternoon (Tuesday).
A campus alert was issued around 1:20 p.m. regarding a pair of the 1,000 gallon tanks. The Grand Forks Fire Department responded and quickly cooled the burning tanks down so the supply valves could be shut off.
UND’s David Dodds says the site was a concrete pour and there were no injuries to any workers or staff. Fire damage was contained to construction site materials and the tanks themselves. The tanks were being used to heat a construction area. Dodds says an all clear message was sent to the campus community at 2:35 p.m.
The GFFD determined the leak to be accidental due to a broken fitting on a tank with ignition caused by a nearby heat source.
A total of five fire engines responded to the scene including 21 personnel.
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