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Gas Leak Causes Temporary Evacuations (Update)

Contractor Reportedly Hits Small Gas Line

By Dave Henderson
Monday, September 21, 2009

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Update - Monday 3 p.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA - A leak in a small gas line caused the evacuation of three lodges in the Red Ant Hill section of Highway 18 (Big Bear Boulevard) for a time today.

Crews from Southwest Gas arrived on scene and capped the leak caused when a contractor working on a sidewalk construction project apparently punctured the gas line. The contractor was working on a drainage system for the project when the line was struck about 9 a.m.

"We evacuated three lodges and numerous cabins," San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy Gregg Carpenter told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, "and nine students and five adults from a small school on Modoc Drive at Singing Pines Lodge (657 Modoc Drive)."

Carpenter also explained Big Bear Lodge (40451 Big Bear Boulevard) and Snow Bear Lodge (40504 Big Bear Boulevard) were evacuated while Big Bear firefighters stood by until gas company officials could close off the leak.

"There was enough wind in the area," Carpenter explained, "that the gas dissipated pretty fast. The evacuations were precautionary."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Senior News Editor Michael P. Neufeld contributed to this story.

Original Story

Big Bear Lake, CA — A leak in a 4-inch gas line has caused the evacuation of the Big Bear Lodge, 40451 Big Bear Boulevard, and all of its cottages. Scanner reports indicate that the on scene commander has also called for the evacuation of an elementary school in Modoc Drive.

Road closures are in place for Red Ant Hill to Lakewood. The duration of the closures is unknown.

This article was first published on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 10:02 am. This article has been viewed 962 times.

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