What should you do if you see a propane flame at a connector?

• A. Do not attempt to fight the fire; evacuate and call emergency services
• B. Extinguish the flame with a fire extinguisher
• C. Disconnect the cylinder immediately to stop the flame
• D. Shut off all power to the area

Answer: (A)

When you see a propane flame at a connector, the priority is safety: there’s a live gas leak with an ignition source present. Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services. Propane leaks can spread rapidly, and a flame at the leak point can flare up or explode if you try to intervene. Attempting to extinguish the fire or disconnect the cylinder could put you in danger, as the gas continues to flow and a spark or movement near the flame can worsen the situation. Shutting off power nearby won’t stop the gas leak and may not address the hazard, and handling the cylinder or system without trained personnel can be risky. Wait for responders who can safely shut off the gas supply and manage the emergency.