Dig strikes gas line, prompts evacuation

BONNERS FERRY — A dig near a home on Wells Street hit an Avista gas service line and forced the evacuation of an unknown number of customers in the area around the home.

Avista Utilities officials said the company became aware around 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, that a customer in the 7500 block of Wells Street experienced a disruption in their natural gas service. It was quickly determined that a dig damaged a half-inch service line, David Vowels, Avista Utilities communications manager, said.

An Avista gas serviceman responded to the scene and secured the line, Vowels said. Only one customer lost natural gas service during the time of the incident, he said.

Bonners Ferry Police officers and Bonners Ferry Fire Department crews responded to the scene and, at 4 p.m., BFPD sent out a Nixle alert, a communication from public agencies to the communities they serve, advising residents in the area immediately around the gas leak to evacuate. Evacuation was mandatory for the two blocks surrounding the 7500 block of Wells Street and recommended for the third block, according to the alert.

The evacuation was lifted just after 6 p.m., allowing residents to return home.

Vowels said individuals and anyone digging near service lines should call 811 two business days before they plan to work to prevent similar situations.

Crews will then visit the area to mark the ground above utility lines. That helps prevent accidentally hitting service lines, the utility notes on its website.

If a gas or electric line is accidentally exposed or damaged, Avista recommends stopping work immediately and calling them at 1-800-227-9187.