The residence closest to the leak was not occupied at the time of the accident he added.The area where the leak occurred included part of Palm Court, bordered by the northern portion of Santa Paula High School - out of session for the summer - and was “fairly isolated,” Chief Araiza noted.The scene was cleared of SPFD personnel “after almost three hours” at 11:44 a.m., he added.The incident was the second time in recent weeks that construction crews punctured a gas line and impacted traffic in the immediate area.More than two weeks ago a crew working above Santa Paula Hospital ruptured a natural gas main leading to a lock down of the facility’s parking lots and the use of alternate entrances for foot traffic.
Utility pole installation ruptures underground gas line near SPHS
August 15, 2007
Santa Paula News
The installation of new utility poles at the top of North 5th Street on Thursday led to a gas main being punctured and residents advised to stay inside during the emergency, according to a Santa Paula Fire Department official.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe installation of new utility poles at the top of North 5th Street on Thursday led to a gas main being punctured and residents advised to stay inside during the emergency, according to a Santa Paula Fire Department official.SPFD Chief Rick Araiza said that the August 9 incident occurred at about 9:09 a.m. when a work crew “putting in poles by Virginia Terrace were digging and hit a natural gas service line,” puncturing the main.SPFD Engine 81 responded to the scene as did Chief Araiza and Asst. Chief Kevin Fildes, where nearby residents were advised to stay inside.“Only about four or five homes were notified to keep their windows and doors closed, but they didn’t have to leave the area,” while the Gas Company responded to the scene to fix the punctured pipe noted Chief Araiza.
