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Propane Leak at Iron Mountain Data Facility in Windsor, CT

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 6:25 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Windsor, CT - February 13th, 2026 - A significant incident involving liquefied propane at the Iron Mountain data storage facility in Windsor prompted a large emergency response this morning. Fire departments and hazardous materials (hazmat) teams converged on the site after receiving reports of a propane leak around 9:15 a.m. local time. The situation, while initially alarming, was brought under control, and a shelter-in-place order issued for nearby residents was subsequently lifted.

Iron Mountain, located on Day Hill Road, is a major facility housing critical data and physical records for numerous organizations, including governmental agencies, businesses, and individuals. The nature of the facility - storing sensitive and irreplaceable materials - immediately raised concerns beyond the immediate danger of the propane leak. While the precise volume of the release is still being determined, authorities deemed it significant enough to warrant a precautionary shelter-in-place order impacting residents within a half-mile radius of the facility.

The Windsor Fire Department was first on the scene, quickly assessing the situation and requesting assistance from surrounding towns' fire departments and the state hazmat team. Emergency responders established a perimeter and began monitoring air quality to determine the extent of the leak and potential health risks. The shelter-in-place order, issued shortly after 10:00 a.m., instructed residents to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems. This was a standard protocol designed to minimize potential exposure to the propane, which, while not toxic, is highly flammable and can pose an asphyxiation risk in confined spaces.

Fortunately, the situation was resolved swiftly and effectively. Hazmat teams were able to isolate the source of the leak, and technicians worked to contain and mitigate the remaining propane. By 11:30 a.m., officials declared the area safe, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted, allowing residents to return to their normal routines. As of this report, there have been no reported injuries connected to the incident. Paramedics were on standby throughout the operation, ready to provide medical assistance if needed, but their services were not required.

Investigation Launched: What Caused the Propane Leak?

The immediate concern addressed, the focus now shifts to determining the cause of the propane leak. While speculation abounds, officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. Iron Mountain utilizes propane for several purposes, primarily as a fuel source for backup generators that power the facility's critical systems in the event of a power outage. Data centers, like Iron Mountain, require uninterrupted power to maintain optimal operating temperatures for servers and to prevent data loss. Propane's reliability and relatively clean burning characteristics make it a common choice for backup power solutions.

Potential causes being investigated include equipment failure in the propane storage or distribution system, accidental damage during routine maintenance, or even a potential external factor. Investigators will be meticulously examining all aspects of the facility's propane infrastructure, including storage tanks, pipelines, valves, and generator connections. They will also review maintenance logs and operating procedures to identify any potential contributing factors. The State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting with the investigation, bringing specialized expertise to the process.

Community Resilience and Future Preparedness

The incident highlights the importance of community preparedness and the effectiveness of emergency response protocols. Windsor's emergency management team, along with the collaborating fire departments and hazmat crews, demonstrated a coordinated and professional response, minimizing the potential for harm. The rapid issuance and lifting of the shelter-in-place order, coupled with clear communication to residents via local news outlets and social media, were crucial in ensuring public safety.

This event also serves as a reminder for businesses and facilities that utilize hazardous materials to regularly review and update their emergency response plans. Comprehensive training for employees, regular equipment inspections, and proactive maintenance are essential to preventing incidents and mitigating their impact. Local authorities are planning to meet with Iron Mountain representatives next week to review the facility's safety protocols and discuss any potential improvements.

We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Residents with any remaining concerns are encouraged to contact the Windsor Fire Department or the Town Hall.