Natural Gas Leak on South Hill

Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002


Monday, July 7, 2014 at 7:56 a.m.


Incident #: 2014033528

Date of Incident: 07/06/2014

Issuing Officer: Bruce Moline/Battalion Chief

Narrative: On Sunday, July 6 at 12:23 p.m. the Spokane Fire Department responded to a natural gas leak in the 800 block of E. Thurston. First in crews from Station 11 located at 32nd and Perry and Station 9 located at 18th and Bernard found a severed pipe below the meter that had been damaged by a vehicle. Firefighters immediately searched and evacuated occupants from neighboring homes including making sure the home adjacent to the leak was cleared. While crews were completing these tasks, the air was monitored for signs of gas that could be migrating away from the area and toward other homes. The Avista Company responded very quickly and was able to assist firefighters in stopping the escaping gas by placing an insert into the pipe. The gas leak was declared controlled after 32 minutes from time of dispatch. Once the gas leak was stopped, a final check of homes and the general area was done to make sure the escaping gas was properly ventilated. The incident scene was turned over to the Avista company for final repairs.

Cause: A vehicle contacted the natural gas meter in a private driveway.

Damage: The natural gas meter was destroyed.

# Firefighters Responding: 16

Dollar Loss: $1,000

Other Agencies Responding: Avista Company