INTERNATIONAL
Natural Gas Line Ruptured by Workers in Reseda Area; No Injuries Reported
Workers ruptured an underground natural gas line in the Reseda area Thursday, and some evacuations were ordered as a precaution while utility crews stopped the leak.
The break was reported shortly after 10 a.m. in the 17700 block of West Saticoy Street, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. No injuries were reported.
Southern California Gas Company crews sent to the scene closed the leak shortly after 1 p.m., the LAFD said.
“The natural gas fumes have dissipated, and LAFD hazmat experts have identified no ongoing concerns,” LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
After the leak occurred, occupants of about 25 homes, businesses and a house of worship were evacuated, but the evacuations were lifted about 1:15 p.m., according to the LAFD.
“It is believed the damage was caused by a third-party contractor working in the area,” SoCalGas spokeswoman Melissa Bailey said.
The fire department turned off gas service to some homes as a precautionary measure, according to Bailey, who said that once permanent repairs to the gas line are complete, gas company technicians will be dispatched to restore service to those residents.
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“For safety reasons, customers should never attempt to restore gas service themselves,” Bailey said.
The repairs to the line, which Bailey called a “standard-pressure service line,” were continuing into the afternoon.
“Though natural gas can be flammable at specific concentrations, LAFD hazmat experts are using special sensors to monitor natural gas fumes in the community, and have identified no specific concern beyond the initial 500-foot precautionary zone,” LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
“We want to remind contractors, business owners and residents to `call 8-1-1 before you dig’ at construction sites or in the yard,” Bailey said.