Several businesses and residences were temporarily evacuated

On Thursday (Feb. 23) at about 6:45 p.m., the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a strong smell of natural gas in a building at 806 Main Street. Two engines, a ladder truck and a battalion chief responded to the scene. 

When the initial crews arrived at the address, they could immediately tell there was a natural gas problem in the building. Due to the size of the building and the potential for the gas to get into adjacent buildings, crews immediately shut down the gas at the meter and evacuated the entire city block. 

Additional fire engines were called to help evacuate an area that covered Washington and Main between 8^th and 9^th streets. These evacuations included several businesses and residences. 

Northwest Natural Gas (NWNG) arrived on scene to help with air monitoring and technical assistance. Due to the high readings of natural gas and carbon monoxide, power was also shut down to the block by Clark Public Utilities. 

At approximately 9 p.m. crews were able to isolate the leak and ventilate the structure enough to lift the evacuation and restore power to the block so people could return home and businesses could open safely. 

The Vancouver Fire Department appreciates the patience and understanding from the community involved in the evacuations and please know the safety of our community is our number one priority. 

Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.