Gas Leak Prompts Evacuation

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — According to scanner traffic, at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Oct. 26th, the Scottsbluff Fire Department was dispatched to Rincon Latino at 1002 East Overland after dispatch received a third party report of a gas leak within a commercial building.

The Scottsbluff Fire Department has confirmed that Engine One, Engine Three, and Scottsbluff Two were assigned to the call. Upon arrival crews made entry into the building, and upon making entry, noted an obvious, strong smell of natural gas. Due to the levels within the building, occupants were evacuated and Black Hills Energy was contacted.

Through the course of the investigation it was determined that the building had started to smell like natural gas Sunday evening, however was never called in until a customer reported it to the Communications Center on Monday. Due to the levels, the gas was shut off to the building and ventilated, and the store manager was advised a pressure test would need to be completed and the leak resolved prior to the gas getting turned back on.

All parties involved are very fortunate this situation did not have a different outcome due to the significant delay in reporting it. If you ever smell natural gas within your residence, your place of employment, or any building, please note that is not normal, and should never be ignored.

Scottsbluff Fire Department thanked Black Hills Energy and Regional West EMS for their response and assistance on this call.