RCFD Responds to Two More Gas Line Ruptures

Rapid City, S.D. – The Rapid City Fire Department responded to two separate gas line ruptures this afternoon, the second and third calls of its type in the past 24 hours. One of those ruptures forced the evacuation of nearby homes. These incidents come on the heels of a ruptured four-inch gas line in the downtown area yesterday. That rupture forced the closure of East Blvd. and disrupted traffic for about two hours.

Just before 1 pm this afternoon, Station 3 crews were dispatched to the area of 48^th and Baldwin Street intersection in the construction area for a report of a ruptured gas line. Construction workers in that area struck a two-inch gas line. The rupture forced Station 3 crews to temporarily evacuate approximately eight (8) homes in the area as a precaution. Montana Dakota Utilities crews arrived quickly and had the leak stopped in less than an hour. Once the leak was stopped, affected homes were monitored for flammable gas. No hazards were identified during that monitoring. As of 1:50 pm MDT, all temporary evacuations were lifted. No injuries were reported.

While crews on the west-side were working on the 48^th Street incident, a second gas line rupture caused by construction was reported at 1:28 pm at 901 Fulton Street. A service line to a residence was punctured during the course of construction work at that location. MDU was on scene prior to the RCFD arriving and had the leak stopped very quickly. No injuries were reported.

While these ruptures were a result of construction, they serve as a great reminder to homeowners to dial 811 in South Dakota before you dig. Homeowners and contractors alike who plan to dig are required to notify South Dakota 811 prior to beginning their work. For more information, visit www.sdonecall.com.

For questions regarding this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell at the information provided below.

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Lt. Jim Bussell

Rapid City Fire Department

Public Information Officer

Paramedic

Work: (605)-394-4180

Twitter.com: @RapidCityFire

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