Washington State Patrol vehicles block state Route 161 while a flame burns during the response to a propane leak near 152nd Street East on July 21, 2026. Central Pierce Fire & Rescue responded, and the roadway later reopened. (Photo courtesy of Trooper Kameron Watts/Washington State Patrol)
SOUTH HILL, Wash. — A propane leak forced authorities to close part of state Route 161 near 152nd Street East on Tuesday evening as firefighters worked to bring the hazard under control.
“The roadway is open.”
Washington State Patrol Trooper Kameron Watts
Traffic Diverted Around Propane Leak
The incident began around 7:17 p.m. July 21 near milepost 22.73, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Authorities initially allowed alternating traffic through the area. However, officials later established traffic diversions while Central Pierce Fire & Rescue responded to the leak.
A photo from the scene showed flames burning from what appeared to be a controlled flare as two State Patrol vehicles blocked the roadway. Watts reported at 9:36 p.m. that road closures remained in place.
WSDOT later announced that the incident had cleared. Watts confirmed Wednesday morning that the roadway had reopened.
Officials did not immediately release information about what caused the propane leak or whether anyone suffered injuries.
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