3 Safety Tips for Home Propane Tanks Near Wildfire Zones

Lori Templeton • August 12, 2025

got a propane tank on your property?

With wildfire seasons growing more severe each year, ensuring the safe placement of  your propane tank isn’t just smart—it’s essential. In our latest video, “3 Tips for Safe Propane Tank Placement to Protect Against Wildfires,” we boil it down to three critical practices that dramatically enhance safety when facing wildfire threats.


1. choose a stable clear surface under it

Cement and rock are the best materials to support your propane tank. Grass is acceptable if it's trimmed to under 2 inches.


2. Maintain Clear Space around it — 20 Feet is recommended, 10 feet is mandatory

Wildfires thrive on fuel. To be the safest clear at least 20 feet around your propane tank of all combustible materials: vegetation, trees, leaves, mulch—everything. This buffer zone can slow the spread of fire and reduce the chance of ignition around your tank.


3. inspect your propane tank regularly

Make monthly checks for rust, dents, or signs of leakage. If you spot anything unusual—dusty residue near fittings, an odd odor, or hissing—schedule a thorough inspection with your propane supplier immediately


Share this article on

Completed defensible space project with reduced fuels and retained healthy oak trees.
By Lori Templeton January 16, 2026
Learn why effective defensible space relies on vegetation spacing, fuel reduction, and fire behavior—not simply removing everything from your property.
White
By Lori Templeton July 29, 2025
Their mission is to help reduce wildfire risk across California’s communities,which includes annual inspections to make sure properties meet fire safety standards.
A wooden house is sitting on top of a piece of paper that says insurance.
By Lori Templeton July 15, 2025
The number of non-renewals in high fire-risk areas has more than doubled in the last decade. Here's what you can do if your insurance is cancelled...
A man is cutting grass with a weed eater in a field.
By Lori Templeton June 13, 2025
Many people don’t realize that using a lawnmower with a metal blade can actually start a fire. If the blade hits a rock or hard surface, it can spark. In dry grass, that little spark could quickly turn into something dangerous. What to Use Instead...
More Posts