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Natural gas leak forces evacuation in restricted area in Vancouver

Crews closed multiple streets and evacuated about 20 Vancouver homes after a gas line was damaged by workers. C-TRAN provided a bus to shelter residents during the incident.

By Clark County Today · March 17, 2026
Natural gas leak forces evacuation in restricted area in Vancouver
Crews closed multiple streets and evacuated about 20 Vancouver homes after a gas line was damaged by workers. C-TRAN provided a bus to shelter residents during the incident.
Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department
Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department

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. 

Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department
Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department

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. 

Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department
Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department

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. 

Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department
Photo courtesy Vancouver Fire Department

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.


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