Underground storage fire breaks out at USA Gas Mart

Underground storage fire breaks out at USA Gas Mart

YOUNGSTOWN — The outcome could have been much worse when an underground storage fire started at USA Gas Mart, 667 S. Meridian Road.

Firefighters and police were sent to the West Side gas station around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday.

The fire appeared to be the result of sparks from a motor, while a worker was repairing one of the tank pumps, said Youngstown Fire Capt. Rich Russo. Because other tanks were so close to the fire, more explosions could have occurred, he said.

The man repairing the pump suffered burns on his face from the explosion and checked himself into a local hospital, Russo said.

Police blocked off the roadway and nearby side streets. Safety forces were told 20 to 30 gallons of fuel were in the tank and firefighters used foam to blanket the flames because it takes the oxygen out of the fire, Russo said.

Firefighters had the situation under control around 11:10 a.m. and cleared the scene at 11:40 a.m., police said. A salt truck was requested because water from firefighters’ hoses froze on the ground.

The investigation has been turned over to the state and they will determine when the station will be operational, Russo added.