Shelter-in-Place Order Issued as Propane Leak Prompts Hazmat Response in Bellmore

Emergency crews responded to a hazardous materials incident Tuesday at a propane filling station on Bellmore Avenue near Martin Avenue in the Town of Bellmore, prompting a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

According to emergency officials, a propane cylinder at the facility was reported leaking, raising concerns about potential vapor release in the residential neighborhood. Firefighters and a specialized Hazmat team were dispatched to the scene to contain the situation and protect public safety.

A spokesperson for the responding emergency teams confirmed that personnel initiated a controlled “flaring operation” — a standard procedure used to safely burn off excess propane under monitored conditions. The operation is designed to reduce pressure within the compromised cylinder and prevent an uncontrolled release of gas.

Residents living in the immediate vicinity were instructed to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and shut off ventilation systems as a precautionary measure while crews worked to stabilize the situation. Authorities emphasized that the shelter-in-place directive was issued out of an abundance of caution given the volatile nature of propane.

“The situation is being managed by trained hazardous materials professionals,” a fire department spokesperson stated. “The flaring operation is a deliberate, controlled method to eliminate risk and protect the surrounding community.”

No injuries have been reported, and officials have not indicated any immediate threat beyond the designated safety perimeter. Updates on the resolution of the incident and the lifting of the shelter-in-place order are expected as the Hazmat team completes its mitigation efforts.

Residents are advised to monitor local emergency alerts and avoid the area near Bellmore Avenue and Martin Avenue until authorities declare the scene safe.