Propane leak briefly closes popular Blue Hill restaurant

‘Very uncommon’ leak caused by settling tank pad, fire chief says

March 30, 2026

By Tricia Thomas

BLUE HILL—Firefighters from Blue Hill, Sedgwick and Brooklin responded to a “very uncommon” propane leak at Marlintini’s Grill on Mines Road that prompted an evacuation and brief shutdown of the restaurant on March 26. No one was injured in the incident, which was reported at 12:28 p.m.

According to Blue Hill fire chief John Chapman, the incident occurred after a 1,000-gallon propane tank on the restaurant’s property rolled off of the concrete blocks supporting it.

“It appears that, due to the freeze-thaw of the ground, [the tank] became unstable and rolled off, breaking the supply line to the building,” Chapman said.

Firefighters quickly evacuated the restaurant upon their arrival, sprayed water on the leaking propane to help dissipate it, and sealed the leak until the restaurant’s propane vendor could repair it, Chapman said.

“Propane is typically lighter than air and dissipates easily, except when it’s very cold. Then, it tends to settle,” he said.

Chapman said that approximately 20 firefighters were at the scene, with about 10 others also called to respond. He also called the incident “very uncommon.”

“It’s not common at all. It’s probably the first time I’ve seen it on that scale,” he said.

According to posts on social media, the restaurant, located at 83 Mines Road, was reopened later that day.