Explosions After Fire Engulfs Trailer Carrying Propane In New Berlin

NEW BERLIN, WI — A construction trailer carrying several propane tanks caught fire early Sunday morning in the 3200 block of Moorland Road, causing several explosions to send debris over 100 feet into the air, but nobody was injured in the incident, according to the New Berlin Fire Department.

Authorites responded to the area just after 6 a.m. Firefighters could see smoke rising from the blaze a ½ mile away as they left the station, according to a news release from the New Berlin Fire Dept. When fire units arrived, they found an 8 foot by 20 foot enclosed utility trailer on fire on the shoulder of South Moorland Road.

Several propane tanks inside of the trailer were venting and exploding, sending debris flying into the air and possibly threatening nearby homes, the fire dept. said.

Fire units took up a defensive position as the propane tanks continued to explode. Two units approached from opposite directions with hydrant water, while on engine had to deal with a delay in finding water because of construction, the fire dept. said.

New Berlin police evacuated three houses in the immediate area and traffic was closed as firefighters battled the fire.

It took about 10 minutes to get the fire under control. Firefighters used "copious" amounts of water on the trailed as it was determined safe to approach.

The equiment inside of the trailer was for specialized concrete work. It was owned by a New Berlin company. Ten propane cylinders vented and exploded in the fire, all were 20 pounds. A cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Authorities contacted the Department of Natural Resources to evaulate any environmental issues after the blaze.

Nobody was injured, and authorities said a coordnated response between New Berlin fire and police helped to keep the fire to property damage.