Mastic Beach, N.Y. — On Sept. 1, 2024, Suffolk Fire Rescue responded to a reported gas leak at William Floyd High School, located at 240 Mastic Beach Road in Mastic Beach. The Mastic Fire Department was quickly dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, Assistant Chief Rudy Sunderman identified the source of the leak as an underground line connected to an 1,800-pound propane tank. Sunderman immediately relayed this information to Chief of Department Steve Januskiewicz, initiating a coordinated response to secure the area and prevent further risk.

Firefighters from both the Mastic and Mastic Beach Fire Departments worked together in operations to cool the propane tank, deploying hose lines to prevent any potential ignition of the volatile gas. Their swift and coordinated efforts helped contain the situation and avoid a larger-scale emergency.

Emergency responders established a perimeter around the area. Local law enforcement assisted in directing traffic away from the scene to ensure public safety.

Brookhaven Town Fire Marshals and hazardous materials (Hazmat) teams were called to the scene to assess the situation. After evaluating the risk of further leaks or potential explosions, the Hazmat team initiated a prolonged burn-off of the remaining propane in the tank to safely eliminate the hazard.

Authorities later confirmed that the leak was caused by a faulty valve in the propane tank’s system. The faulty valve allowed gas to escape from the tank, prompting the emergency response. The valve and surrounding infrastructure are now under review to prevent similar incidents.

Ambulance crews from Mastic and Mastic Beach were also on hand to provide medical support, though no injuries were reported.