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@Cowlitz2Fire
Kelso, WA- Just after 6:30pm tonight, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue (C2FR) responded to a reported gas line rupture in the 800 block of Ayers St
Reporting parties state they were cleaning out a plugged sewer line with a powered sewer snake when they heard the line rupture. They immediately called Cascade Natural Gas, turned the gas meter off and evacuated the house.
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue crews arrived in the area within 5 minutes of dispatch and verified the gas leak. After further investigation by Cascade Natural Gas the rupture had a very high likelihood that it was leaking into the sewer system. C2FR dispatched their HazMat Unit while Cascade Natural Gas crews and on-scene C2FR personnel identified an immediate evacuation plan for the area. Cowlitz PUD was contacted and they turned off the local power to reduce the potential for the leaking gas to ignite.
Cascade Natural Gas accessed and shut down their main gas line, 1 block away, with an excavator before capping the service at the residence. C2FR maintained continuous gas/air monitoring, scene control and fire suppression stand-by until the line was capped.
C2FR responded with 2 fire engines, a HazMat unit, 1- ambulance, 3-HazMat Technicians and 1- Chief Officer. Kelso Police Department, Kelso Public Works also responded to the incident and provided support.
Neighboring agencies covered several medical and fire incidents in Kelso until off- duty C2FR crews arrived from home to backfill crews on the incident.
All C2FR units cleared the scene and power was restored to the area just prior to 9:30pm
LT. Dan W. Cothren, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue