The Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department led a multi-agency response to a serious
propane tank leak at N2204 State Highway 35 in Stoddard, beginning Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at
approximately 4:14 PM.
A very large tree had uprooted and fallen onto a 500-gallon LP tank, crushing its cap and causing
significant damage. Which caused an active leak of propane vapor. Due to the hazard, crews directed the
homeowners and nearby residents to shelter in place.
Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department personnel immediately started to monitor the area and assess the
degree of damage and leak. Initial efforts by SBFD to remove the large tree and stop the leak were
unsuccessful. Given the high volume of propane in the tank and the complexity of the damage, SBFD
requested assistance from several regional partners.
Additional resources, including the La Crosse Hazmat and USAR teams, the Vernon County Hazmat
Team, and Vernon County Emergency Management, arrived to assist with tree removal and leak
containment.The tree was finally removed at 9:50 PM, allowing the Hazmat Team to use special tools to
slow the leak to a very small leak. An Allied Cooperative employee attempted to offload the liquid
propane between 11:30 PM and 1:30 AM, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to the degree of
damage.
With no further action possible overnight, all crews were released from the scene at 1:46 AM on October
9, 2025. Allied Cooperative employees returned in the morning with more equipment. They emptied and
removed the damaged tank from the property.
Continuous monitoring of the area was done during the incident and at no time there was a danger to
the public. No injuries to civilians or emergency personnel were reported during the incident.
Thank you to the La Crosse Fire Dept Hazmat Team, La Crosse Fire Dept USAR Team, the Vernon County
Hazmat Team, and Vernon County Emergency Management. The swift, coordinated response from all of
these agencies helped prevent what could have been a more serious situation.
Safety Reminder:
If you smell gas, hear hissing near a tank, or notice damage to any propane system:
Leave the area and call 911 immediately.
Do not use electrical devices or phones near the leak or if you smell the gas.
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