Just after 4pm on Tuesday the Center Moriches FD received a call from the Cedar Lodge Nursing Home reporting a strong smell of gas at the building on Frowein Road. First due units arrived and found gas leaking from a 500lb underground propane tank located next to the building.

Engine crews immediately stretched 2 hand lines to disperse the gas leaking from the tank. Additional fire and EMS crews were requested to assist in the evacuation of the nursing home.

75 patients were evacuated from the 100 bed nursing home. 14 critical care patients who were on oxygen were transported to 4 area hospitals.The remaining residents were taken to the Center Moriches HS on the By-Pass where the gym was converted into a temporary shelter.

With the nursing home evacuated fire crews remained on scene as workers from the gas company attempted to secure the tank and stop the leak. When their efforts failed, the gas company advised the Chief they would have to ignite the gas leaking from the tank and burn it off in a controlled way. At 7:45pm the controlled burn began and burned for just over 3 hours before the leaking tank was able to be secured.

The incident was placed under control at 11:12pm and residents were returned to the facility. A total of 15 ambulances and 2 fire departments assisted at the scene. There were no injuries reported and the incident is under investigation by the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshals Office.