Jerry Jensen has been hailed a hero after crashing a forklift through a concrete barrier and moving a 450-kilogram propane tank away from a fire on August 24.

Mr Jensen, 37, was at home when his brother called to say his workplace, an Abbotsford wood mill, was in flames, according to The Province newspaper. While the fire was actually at a neighbouring pallet manufacturing firm, Mr Jensen and co-workers helped remove wood and run hose for fire-fighters.

One worker, Cathy Webster, rushed to Mr Jensen and told him a propane tank had to be moved or it would blow up. As hundreds of spectators watched, he used a forklift to ram through a concrete barrier to reach the tank. Fire-fighters cheered as he moved the tank out to a road, away from the flames.

In recognition of his bravery, Abbotsford Fire & Rescue has nominated Mr Jensen for a heroism commendation, and his boss gave him a week off, with pay.