Propane tanks both large and small

Last Wednesday afternoon, a call went out for a brush fire that was out of control and was threatening some structures.  Winds were 20 gusting to 35.  We arrived on the scene and just as we staged,we saw a 200+ gallon propane tank at the side of the #1 mobile home.  In a matter of seconds it vented with a 60' column of roaring flame.  We quickly retreated to another side street next to the fully involved mobile.  We went to a defensive attack with two 1 3/4 lines and the booster,  During the attempt to save the second mobile home, that was approximately 60' away from the first, a second propane tank between those two structures vented with another roaring tower of fire. I had to abandon  the close in attack and and as the second M/H fire became intense we moved further away.  There were three or four of the small gas grill tanks, stored in a small metal building between the two raging fires, and when they blew out, the small shed began to shake and the venting bottles roared like rocket engines. That didn't last too long and fortunately the building contained the bottles within its walls. Next another crisis - - The two fires, generating a very intense fire storm of their own, helped out by the 25 - 35 mph winds, jumped over the street and ignited another M/H about 200' away.  True to form for this day, another 200+ gallon propane tank  went off in the middle of the attack.  At least six propane tanks ignited during this one.

Fortunately for us, no one was injured by these tanks going off.  My size up in future will be to at least try to spot these tanks.  We have never pre-planed these hodge podge  trailer camps but it might save us some grief in the future if we do.  That way we can be ready, if it is possible, to keep these tanks cool  before they vent.