Olen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – During a heatwave, firefighters in Olen, Balen, Grobbendonk, and Herselt handled 8 gas tank calls. Kristof Geens says hissing sounds are usually safe, caused by pressure release valves.
As VRT News reported, firefighters in Olen, Balen, Grobbendonk, and Herselt have been dealing with gas-related calls. Over 2 days, they got about 8 reports. People heard hissing sounds and smelled gas near gas tanks. This happened during a heat wave. A fire official, Kristof Geens, explained the cause.
He mentioned that it’s usually not dangerous. The heat makes the gas inside the tanks build up pressure. To prevent problems, the tanks are equipped with a safety valve. This valve releases a small amount of gas when the pressure gets too high. The release causes a hissing sound and gas smell. Sometimes, the valve’s cap can even pop off.
“Sometimes the cap of the valve flies off. This looks spectacular and is frightening, but it is normal behaviour for the installation.”
Kristof Geens from the Kempen Fire Zone
What makes gas tanks hiss during hot weather?
Gas tanks might hiss and smell during hot weather. This is normal, says the fire department. The tanks have safety valves that release gas when it get hot. This keeps the tanks from getting too full. Usually, there’s nothing to worry about. They mentioned that but if the gas keeps leaking or the smell is strong, call the fire department and the gas company.
Firedepartment said that don’t go near the tank. Watch from far away and keep the area open. If things don’t get better quickly, there might be a problem. The fire department wants everyone to stay calm. These tank reactions are usually safe. They are part of how the tanks work.
According to officials, gas tanks can get hot when it’s very hot outside. This can make the gas inside them press harder. Most tanks have a safety valve. It lets out extra gas if the pressure gets too high. People might hear a hissing sound.
The fire department says this is usually safe. But, stay away from anything that could make a spark, like a grill or a cigarette. They mentioned that people can help by putting a shade over the tank, like a big umbrella. Don’t block the safety valve. If the tank feels too hot, people can spray it with water from a hose. This helps cool it down.
Smaller gas bottles, like those for barbecues, need extra care because they don’t have safety valves. If they get too hot, the gas inside can’t escape safely, and they might explode or leak. Officials mentioned that always keep these bottles in a cool, shady, and open place.
