The Hawaii County Fire Department shut down a portion of Highway 130 this morning due to concerns of an unattended 5-gallon propane tank in Keaau.
The fire department responded to a 9:29 a.m. call of a tank on the side of the highway 200 yards east of the Keaau Transfer Station. Nine fire personnel responded and discovered a hole at the top of the tank.
The Hilo-bound lanes of the highway were closed to eliminate the possibility of an ignition source.
Police contraflowed the Hilo-bound lane for more than an hour.
The Hazmat Company conducted a controlled release of propane, and Company 5 stayed at the scene in case fire suppression was needed. Firefighters completed the task by 10:50 a.m.
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