Sterling – On Feb. 24 at 10:28 a.m., the Sterling Fire Department was dispatched to the Houghton/Chocksett School Complex on Boutelle Road for a gas leak report.
When they arrived on scene, an active propane leak was identified after a snowplow struck equipment connected to a 1,000-gallon underground propane tank. Engine 5 deployed a hose line and applied a wide water spray to safely disperse the leaking propellant. Mutual aid assistance from West Boylston was requested to support monitoring efforts inside the building using gas detection equipment.
No hazardous conditions inside the school building were confirmed after the initial monitoring. At 2:00 p.m., fire officials were notified that low levels of propane had been detected inside the school. The department responded and confirmed measurable readings in two classrooms; however, levels were below established hazard thresholds. Crews continued to work alongside the propane company throughout the night…