LANCASTER COUNTY – One person was hurt after a hot water heater exploded and caused a dwelling fire in Lancaster County. Around 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, units responded to 1674 Chadwick Circle in Lancaster Township. A resident in the basement at the time of the explosion sustained burn injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Assistant Chief James Logan reported light smoke coming from the front of a 2-story duplex. The rear entry doors had been blown off and were found on the rear patio. Significant structural damage was visible. All occupants had exited the home except for three cats, which were later safely rescued by firefighters. An investigation determined that a recently installed propane-fueled hot water heater had been leaking gas. The gas accumulated along the basement floor until it encountered an undetermined ignition source, triggering the explosion and flash fire. A State Police Fire Marshal classified the cause of the explosion and flash fire as undetermined.
