Fire chief, locals remember ruptured gas main experiences
May. 08, 2021 at 6:00 am
Fixed: All that is left of the emergency is some fresh asphalt. Courtesy photo
A 16” inch gas main spewing methane and other natural gases in Santa Monica has been sealed thanks to the teamwork of local residents and public and private agencies who united in an effort to avoid a catastrophe.
Santa Monica Fire Department Chief Bill Walker remembers receiving a 911 call on Thursday some time between 11:30 a.m. and noon and quickly sending out a response unit, which is typical for potential gas line ruptures and structure fires.
Broken gas main leaves residents in the dark for days
May. 01, 2021 at 6:00 am
The smell and sound of natural gas rushing from one of the city’s largest mains prompted the evacuation of residents in the city’s northeast corner Friday morning, but those left behind have been stuck in the dark, without power, searching for information.
The situation started around noon Thursday when a private contractor attempting to install fiber optic lines on Stanford Street near Washington Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard struck a 16” gas main, which prompted a large response of state and local officials, some of whom said they have been working since 3 p.m. Thursday.