Ruptured gas line causes evacuation in Forest Grove

Residents took temporary refuge in TriMet bus

The Forest Grove News-Times, Apr 29, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Chase Allgood / News-TImes

Workers repair a ruptured gas line on Magnolia Way.

Eight Forest Grove residents were evacuated from their homes earlier today after a local utility crew ruptured a gas line in a subdivision on the west side of town.

Fire officials say workers for Forest Grove Light & Power hit a 2-inch gas line while in tunneling for underground power lines on Wednesday morning.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue arrived in the area of Sycamore Court and Magnolia Way shortly after 10:15 a.m. and found a vapor cloud in the area. The fire crew, which was aided by the Cornelius Fire Department, entered the scene with protective gear to evacuate local residents.

About 15 structures were effected, with seven adults and one child being temporarily sheltered in a TriMet bus while crews from Northwest Natural Gas worked to stop the leak at approximately 11:45 a.m.. Emergency personnel remained on scene until 12:45 p.m. to ensure all traces of natural gas had dissipated and it was safe for residents to return to their homes.

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