A propane tank hitched to the back of Southside Mike’s Bar-B-Que food truck is spewing flammable gas into the Old Town air after a valve burst under the pressure of today’s record heat wave.

Humboldt Bay Fire has multiple engines on scene, and firefighters are actively dousing the tank with water as they wait for the pressure to subside enough to close the tank.

HBF Chief Bill Gillespie told the Outpost on scene that the tanks were recently filled to capacity, and the pressure from today’s temperatures caused the tank valve to rupture.

“The propane tanks on the food trailer had just been filled,” Gillespie said. “So, sitting out exposed in the sun like they are — and we all know its an especially warm day for eureka — the pressure built up enough that the valve started seeping propane.”

Gillespie said firefighters will wrap up the situation shortly and Southside Mike should be able to start cookin’ barbecue again later today.

“We’re letting a little bit of the gas bleed off under a controlled situation so the pressure drops in the tank,” Gillespie said. “That will allow him to cook this afternoon.”

F Street is currently blocked off between 1st and 2nd Streets in Old Town.

Photos and video by John Ferrara.