The Winter Haven Fire Department responded to what was reported to be a gas leak, but ultimately determined to be a propane tank that was hit by a construction crew.
On May 6, 2025 at approximately 12:15 p.m., a construction crew working at the site for the new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center, located at 801 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Winter Haven, struck what was thought to be a gas line with an excavator. Winter Haven Fire personnel immediately responded and evacuated residents within a 330′ area. A reverse 9-1-1 call was also conducted for the immediate area.
Central Florida Gas arrived on scene and determined that it was not a gas line, but an underground propane tank. Polk County Fire Rescue Hazmat team was called to assist. The leak was contained and it was determined to “flare” the tank in order to burn off the propane still inside. Once the tank was flared and the propane was beginning to burn off, the shelter-in-place and evacuation of residents was lifted at approximately 2:20 p.m.
There were no injuries to any firefighters or residents. The burn is on the construction property and will not impact any residents or businesses in the area.
