Westport fire officials were called to the residence after homeowners reported a smell of gas when they returned home.
Engine Company 6, a truck company and the shift commander responded. When they arrived, they found the home’s 20-foot by 15-foot back deck had collapsed onto their 50-pound propane tank -- located below the deck -- as a result of heavy snow accumulation, the Westport Fire Department said.
The collapsed deck severed the tank’s line to the home, causing propane to leak against the side of the home, officials said. Firefighters were able to reach the tank’s shut-off valve and stop the leak, according to the Westport Fire Department.
Fire officials checked the home for gas and found there to be no hazardous conditions. An investigator from the town’s building department confirmed the cause of the deck collapse was due to the extra weight from uncleared snow, according to authorities.
The call came in at about 6 p.m. The final fire truck rolled out at 7:09 p.m.
“Homeowners are encouraged to call 911 if they smell gas. Additionally homeowners are encouraged to shovel of decks to reduce the added weight from snow,” Assistant Chief Brian Meadows said in a statement.
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