Evacuations in Woodland Park after reported gas leak
Houses were being evacuated in Woodland Park Wednesday evening after a reported gas leak.
By News Channel NebraskaNORFOLK, Neb. -- Houses were being evacuated in Woodland Park Wednesday evening.
Authorities had received reports of a natural gas leak, and residents were evacuated along Shetland Path within a one-block radius.
Hoskins/Woodland Park Fire and Rescue was called to the scene at approximately 6:12 p.m.
According to Stanton County Emergency Management, a gas line was struck by contract workers. Property owners had contacted diggers hotline prior to the work being done.
Dispatch ordered evacuation of the immediate area for safety. Fire crews were able to locate the leak and clamp the line until Black Hills Energy was on scene. Residents were allowed to return to their homes within a few minutes after Black Hills arrived on scene.
Hoskins Fire Chief Adam Behmer said that residents should be aware that even after having a locate done on a property, caution should be exercised when digging near locate lines and flags. Behmer said locate flags are only approximate areas and that digging close to the locates may result in striking an underground utility.