LANCASTER — At approximately 11:06 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, Nashoba Valley Regional District Dispatch received a report of a propane tank explosion at 320 Fort Pond Road in Lancaster.
According to a statement from the Town of Lancaster Fire-EMS Department, the caller also reported that a person may possibly be trapped in the basement.
“A first-alarm assignment was dispatched, bringing Lancaster Engine 2 and Ladder [truck] 17, along with automatic mutual-aid engines from Devens and Shirley,” the Town of Lancaster Fire-EMS Department said in its statement, adding that three additional command units (17C, 17C1, and 17C2) from the Lancaster Fire Department were also dispatched to the scene.
Upon receiving updates regarding an injured party, Lancaster Fire Chief Jon Belanger requested a mutual-aid transport ambulance, which was provided by Bolton Fire-EMS.
When Chief Belanger arrived on scene, he was met by the injured man and a second occupant, later confirmed to be the original caller. The injured man was transferred to Bolton’s ambulance which ultimately transported him to UMass Memorial Medical Center–University Campus in Worcester with first- and second-degree burns covering approximately 15% of his body. Officials say his injuries are believed to be non–life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.
Devens Deputy Chief Timothy Shea and Bolton Fire-EMS Chief Jeffrey Legendre also responded to assist, according to the statement.
“Engine 2’s crew was assigned to conduct a primary search and extinguishment efforts in the basement—the reported area of origin,” the statement said. “The Shirley crew conducted a primary search of the first floor, while the Devens crew ensured that all gas and propane supplies to the residence were shut down and secured.”
The Town of Lancaster Fire-EMS Department said that Lancaster firefighters found no active fire in the basement other than a large pile of cordwood smoldering in several locations.
According to the statement, the crews confirmed that all occupants were accounted for, no additional hazards were present, and no active danger remained.
“The investigation determined that a likely propane leak in the basement caused a flash fire, igniting stored cordwood,” the statement said. “The injured individual reportedly discovered the leak while attempting to light a wood stove located in the same area. His quick action to shut off the gas valve likely prevented further damage.”
The Lancaster Building Inspector responded to the scene, confirmed there was no structural damage, and verified that residents did not need to be displaced because alternate heating sources were available in the home, the Town of Lancaster Fire-EMS Department said.