Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed an active natural gas leak and ordered evacuation and shelter-in-place orders for the surrounding areas as a precaution

The Vancouver Fire Department responded at 10:47 a.m. Tuesday (May 12) to a gas line rupture near 2610 Kauffman Avenue.

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed an active natural gas leak and ordered evacuation and shelter-in-place orders for the surrounding areas as a precaution. Emergency notifications were distributed through CRESA.

The Vancouver Fire Department initially evacuated two residential buildings and one commercial building, affecting 30 people.

NW Natural responded to the scene and successfully mitigated the leak. There is no longer any active gas leaking from the line.

At this time, both the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. Emergency crews are reopening roadways in the area, and regular traffic can now resume.

During the incident, Kauffman Avenue was closed between 25th Street and 29th Street, 4th Plain Boulevard remained open to traffic, and no injuries were reported.

Residents in the area may continue to notice the odorant added to natural gas, known as Mercaptan. Because it is heavier than air, the odor may linger temporarily even though the leak has been fully mitigated.

The Vancouver Fire Department thanks the public for their cooperation and patience during the incident.

Information provided by the Vancouver Fire Department.