Two injured in Modesto propane tank explosion, fire officials say
Two adults were injured Friday morning after a propane tank explosion sparked a fire involving a van or RV in Modesto, according to the Fire Department.
Fire crews were dispatched at 7:18 a.m. to the 1200 block of Roselawn Avenue, where the two adults had been filling a small, camping-size propane tank using an adapter connected to a larger tank, estimated to be about 20 pounds, fire officials said.
During the process, propane leaked from the tank while a nearby candle was lit. The escaping gas reached the flame, triggering an explosion that caused burn injuries to both individuals and ignited a fire, authorities said.
The fire damaged the exterior of the van or RV and surrounding personal belongings, officials said.
Both injured adults were taken by ground ambulance to hospitals for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately released.
A Modesto Fire engine, a battalion chief, Medic 1 and the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit responded to the scene.
This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM.
