Natural gas leak forces evacuation in restricted area in Vancouver

Firefighters found a heavy smell of natural gas in the area and about 20 homes that required evacuation

At 10:22 a.m. Tuesday (March 17), the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 6000 NE 60th avenue for the report of a broken natural gas line after workers were digging in the area and accidentally damaged the 2-inch line. 

Firefighters found a heavy smell of natural gas in the area and about 20 homes that required evacuation. 

The VFD had three fire apparatus on scene along with a battalion chief to isolate the area and continue air monitoring. Reverse 9-1-1 phone calls were sent out to surrounding neighborhoods advising them of the potential hazard. 

Firefighters were blocking access at NE 59th Circle and NE 59th Avenue, NE 62nd Street and NE 59th Avenue and NE 60th Avenue and NE 62nd Street. 

Northwest Natural Gas arrived on scene and mitigated the broken natural gas line. C-TRAN provided assistance by bringing a bus to the area to shelter those who evacuated their homes. 

This area has now been deemed safe for entry and all firefighters have cleared the scene and citizens are clear to return to their homes. 

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.