Gas leak in El Paso’s Upper Valley

At approximately 10:47 a.m. on Monday March 30, the El Paso Fire Department was dispatched to Country Club Rd and Meadow Lark Dr. when construction workers reported a natural gas leak. The first unit arrived on the scene at 10:53 a.m.

After mitigating the flammability of the natural gas, Texas Gas employees began to dig to reach the shut off valves and to clamp the leak. Fire crews attempted to evacuate two homes as a precaution, but homes were empty. Texas Gas was able to control the leak at 2:27 p.m.

There were no injuries to employees or fire personnel. A total of 6 units and 16 personnel from the El Paso Fire Department responded to this incident. Texas Gas assisted in the incident.

The El Paso Fire Department and Texas Gas Service would like to remind citizens about the importance of calling 811 ahead of time to identify utility lines. The most common reason utility lines are hit is because the homeowner or contractor did not have underground utilities identified ahead of time.

If you suspect damaging a gas line, do not attempt to repair the leak or stop escaping gas. Instead, immediately call 911 and turn off machinery, shut of engines and remove/extinguish any source of ignition (cigarettes, open flames). Evacuate the area and move upwind if possible. Notify people in nearby buildings as gas may enter through drains, air intakes and/or windows.