March 21, 2012
1:26 PM

At 12:04 pm, Portland firefighters were dispatched to a natural gas incident in NE Portland at NE 26th & NE Alameda. Reports were that a gas line was severed by a construction crew and that there was whistling and roaring coming from the leak.

Portland Fire Station 14 (Alberta Park) arrived and confirmed that a one-inch gas line was struck by excavation equipment. Fire crews immediately set out to protect exposures and evacuated nearby homes as a precautionary measure. Three engines and one truck responded. NW Natural Gas personnel were called and are on-scene now and are working to stop the leak.

Citizens in the area should maintain a distance outside of any hazard tape.

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds citizens that if you suspect a natural gas leak or other gas emergency and are unsure of the severity or what to do, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1 from a safe location. Do not use any types of portable communication and electronic devices that have a battery in the area. These can spark and create a source of ignition.