Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responds to massive explosion involving hazardous materials at Broward County waste facility

Pompano Beach, Florida – In the early hours of the morning, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to a potentially catastrophic explosion at the Broward County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off site, located at 2780 N Powerline Road. The emergency call came in at approximately 6:00 a.m., reporting a violent explosion that resulted in a massive fire at the facility.

Ladder 61, the first unit to arrive, was immediately confronted with a dire situation: a large-scale fire involving several hundred propane tanks. These tanks were not only burning intensely but were also actively exploding within the facility’s outdoor storage yard. Recognizing the severity of the situation, firefighters called for additional resources. A second aerial apparatus was quickly deployed to assist in tackling the rapidly escalating blaze.

The conditions on-site were hazardous, as the volatile nature of the propane tanks posed a grave risk to nearby hazardous materials storage units. Firefighters swiftly took action to protect these additional threats, working tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent further escalation. The extreme heat from the explosions made it nearly impossible for crews to approach the fire directly, yet they continued to fight the flames with persistence and precision. To ensure continuous suppression efforts, crews established two separate water sources.

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As the fire raged on, multiple agencies were called in for support. Broward County HazMat responded to monitor the atmosphere for hazardous substances, while the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were also notified. The State Fire Marshal joined the investigation team to assess the environmental impact and to assist in determining the cause of the explosion.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the explosive nature of the fire and the potential for greater destruction. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue’s quick and coordinated efforts played a crucial role in preventing the situation from spiraling into a more severe disaster.

“Our crews faced an extremely dangerous situation with hundreds of pressurized propane tanks involved,” said Fire Chief Pete McGinnis. “Their quick actions and coordinated response helped prevent a much more severe incident.”

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As of now, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue continues to monitor the scene in collaboration with partner agencies, ensuring the area is safe for the community and addressing any lingering environmental hazards. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation as authorities work to piece together what led to the dangerous event at the hazardous waste drop-off site. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by hazardous materials and the importance of swift, well-coordinated emergency responses.