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Hurricane Valley fire chief reports rising call volume, describes accidental propane-related explosion
Summary
At the May 14 Rockville council meeting, Hurricane Valley Special Service District Chief Ames said call volume is up year-to-date across the district, summarized a recent propane-related house explosion investigators ruled accidental, and outlined long lead times for ordered fire apparatus and ambulances.
Chief Ames of the Hurricane Valley Special Service District reported on public-safety activity to the Rockville Town Council at its May 14 meeting, saying call volumes are higher this year and describing a recent structure explosion investigators concluded was accidental.
Ames said April 2025 monthly counts were Springdale 25, Rockville 3 and Zion National Park 9. Year-to-date comparisons from April 2024 to April 2025 showed Springdale up about 13%, Rockville up about 140% and Zion National Park up about 55%, Ames said.
Ames described two recent incidents in Rockville: a brush fire started by children who lit cotton near a riverbed, and a more serious structure explosion tied to a recently installed dryer. "The investigation was completed. It was determined to be accidental," Ames said, explaining that the homeowner had adjusted propane piping and that pinholes in the line allowed propane to leak and accumulate in the basement. Ames used the technical terms upper and lower explosive limits when describing why the ignition pattern caused extensive front-of-house damage while leaving the area immediately adjacent to the dryer relatively intact.
Ames said one resident was injured and has undergone surgeries; council members were told he may be released from the hospital soon. Council discussion noted the front wall of the damaged house had shifted about six inches off its foundation.
Separately, Ames told the council the district has placed multi-year orders for vehicles and equipment. He said the district ordered five pieces of apparatus at a total cost he estimated at about $5,500,000. The orders include two Type 3 wildland-capable trucks, two additional wildland units, a mid-mount tower (ladder with a bucket), and a Type 1 engine. Ames said delivery times are long: the first Type 3s likely in two to three years and larger apparatus three to five years out. He also said the district ordered ambulances previously and expects deliveries in the coming spring.
On outdoor burning rules, Ames said Rockville's spring burn season ends May 30. Even during burn season, residents must obtain burn permits and the district checks an air-quality index; if the index is below the threshold Ames cited (meaning poor dispersion), burning is not allowed. He clarified that small cooking or warming fires in enclosed fire pits typically remain permitted if supervised and a water source is available. Ames said stage-1 fire restrictions (a broader ban) had not been declared for the district at the time of the meeting.
Council members asked for prompt notice when no-burn or stage restrictions are issued so the town can share the information with residents.
Chief Ames closed by urging continued caution and noting that the district is balancing long equipment lead times with current operational needs.
