Blossman Gas Assists With Long Undetected Leak

In February, a propane leak at a Surfside Beach KFC revealed something troubling – an underground tank had been leaking for at least 20 years, completely undetected.

After more than 36 hours of emergency response and over a million gallons of water used to contain the fumes, first responders were still searching for a propane company that could help. That’s when Blossman Gas stepped in, not because it was our tank, but because it was the right thing to do.

“We’re not just going to leave someone stranded, regardless if it was our tank or a competitor’s tank,” said Jessie Long, Blossman Gas & Appliance Branch Manager.

Jessie and two Blossman service technicians, Mario Hernandez and Timmy Fowler, worked through the night, staying on-site for nearly 24 hours to safely burn off the gas. With no paperwork, service contract, or known owner tied to the tank, it quickly became clear how important ongoing oversight and education are when it comes to underground propane systems.

Community Comes First

This incident was a wake-up call for many in the community – and one that Surfside Beach Fire Department is using for change.

The department has since:

• Hired a new inspector and is actively training more staff to assist with annual safety inspections.
• Created a propane emergency contact list to streamline future responses.
• Partnered with Blossman to provide firefighter training specific to propane leak scenarios.

At Blossman, we’re proud to play a role in that progress.

What Home & Business Owners Need to Know

If you’ve recently bought a home or commercial property, especially one with a history that’s not well documented, take a moment to check:

• Do you have an underground propane tank?
• Is it currently in use or properly decommissioned?
• Do you know who is servicing it?
• Can you locate your shut-off valves?
• Are there visible signs of rust or corrosion?

And most importantly, if you smell gas, call for help right away.

Propane is a safe, reliable energy source when properly maintained. But like any fuel, it needs regular attention and professional oversight to ensure that safety continues for decades to come.

Always Here to Help

This situation was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. At Blossman, we believe that service extends beyond our own customers, because a safe community benefits everyone.

KFC has since reopened, the tank has been removed, and new procedures are in place to prevent anything like this from happening again.

If you have questions about an old propane system or need help identifying a tank on your property, we’re here to help — no matter whose name is on it.

Contact your local Blossman branch today to schedule a safety check or inspection: www.blossmangas.com/contact