SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

Severed Natural Gas Supply Line in Downtown Spokane

Incident #:  2011049270
Date of Incident:  12/5/2011
Issuing Officer:  Bob Green/Battalion Chief

Narrative:
The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus and crews to 1115 W. Riverside at 2:09 in the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 5th for a reported severed natural gas supply line in the alley-way directly behind Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Downtown Spokane. The Fire Dept.'s Haz-Mat Team was dispatched as well due to the reported location of the break and the possible size of the damaged gas line. Apparently a back-hoe operator digging in the alley accidently severed the gas line which released natural gas under high pressure into the surrounding atmosphere. Avista was notified of the leak and they dispatched two of their Natural Gas Teams to the incident. First arriving fire crews on the scene immediately began an investigation to determine the exact location of the leak and the size of the line. As other crews began to arrive they began to isolate the area involved by using barricade tape, cones, fire apparatus, and Police cruisers. Concern over any occupied buildings in the area prompted assignment of still other crews to monitor the air quality in those buildings for LEL (lower explosive limits) in all exposed buildings, evacuating some as gas levels began to rise. Fire crews continued to protect the area while waiting for Avista crews to arrive. Once Avista crews arrived on scene they met with Fire personnel and together they formulated a plan to stop the high-pitched howl of the escaping gas. Avista crews entered the area while being protected by charged fire hose leads and were able to successfully crimp off the end of the severed gas line stopping the flow of the gas within about 10 minutes. There were no reports of any injuries to firefighters, Avista crews, or civilians. The Fire Dept. responded 5 Engines, 2 Ladder Trucks, 1 Heavy Rescue Apparatus, 1 Haz-Mat Truck, and 2 Command vehicles to this incident delivering 27 firefighters to the scene.

Cause:
Back-hoe operating in the alley severed the buried natural gas line.

Damage:
Severed natural gas 1 1/4" supply line.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $500

End Of Release
For more information on this release please call (509) 625-7002