[MR] Re: propane gas heaters

[EXCMairi at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/19/01 2:06:12 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
atlantia-request at atlantia.sca.org writes:

<< Our sincere condolences to all concerned.>

Absolutely.

<   We used a propane heater (an adjustable heat outlet
 attached directly to a tank) at Pennsic XXIX. 
 However, our pavilion (10 X 20 )13 feet in height, is
 hardly air tight and my biggest fear was lightening
 during the storm of biblical proportions.  >>

The problem with propane gas is that it doesn't dissipate, like gasoline 
will. The gas hovers at ground level, so if your bedding is on or near the 
floor, you are at greater risk. It is my understanding from talking with 
someone who was working on staff at the event that the heater was turned on 
but not lit, so the gas was releasing into the tent. They are damn lucky that 
the whole thing didn't explode. This is why we strongly urge folks to NEVER 
store propane gas tanks inside of your house (even in an attached garage) and 
to have them checked every year before you use them again. You won't always 
be able to see that you have a leakage problem before it's too late. Most 
propane places will take your old tank and replace it with another one - best 
to do that before every camping season.

Mairi (mka Linda Blowney, Director of Support Services - Burn Foundation)