13/05/2026
On Wednesday 6 May at 13:48 - FRNSW 081 Windsor were responded to an MVA incident, which involved an LPG gas tanker, that had ignited, and had also spread to a nearby grassland area.
With 081 Windsor being the first arriving appliance, it was quickly established that this was an extremely complex and high-risk incident. Upon arrival, 081 Windsor immediately applied water onto the gas tanker appliance, to help cool it as quickly as possible.
During the cooling process, a loud hissing sound could be heard as the heat inside the tanker caused the gas vapours to expand, activating the tanker’s pressure relief valve.
This was a critical moment.
Had the tanker not been cooled as rapidly as it was, a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) could have almost certainly occurred. A BLEVE happens when a pressurised liquid inside a vessel is heated beyond its boiling point, causing a rapid pressure release and potentially catastrophic explosion.
As additional appliances arrived, all crews worked together to extinguish both the tanker fire and the surrounding grass fire, whilst rescue operations were carried out to free the patients trapped inside the vehicle.
081 Windsor would like to thank all assisting Fire + Rescue NSW crews, RFS, NSW Police, and NSW Ambulance personnel for their professionalism, support, and teamwork during this challenging incident.
Fire and Rescue NSW station 077
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 098 Cranebrook
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 097
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 096 Schofields
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 063 Blacktown
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 032 Mt Druitt
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 094 Kellyville
Fire and Rescue NSW station 067
Fire and Rescue NSW station 058
Hawkesbury Police Area Command
