Gas Line Break Results in Building Evacuations & Shelter in Place Orders

On July 29 at approximately 9:00 a.m., a private utility contractor accidentally struck a 2-inch natural gas line near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and B Street, directly in front of the Westamerica Bank building at 1108 Fifth Avenue.

Although a light breeze was helping dissipate the natural gas, firefighters determined that, out of an abundance of caution, occupants of 1108 Fifth Avenue should evacuate. Occupants of 1210 Fifth Avenue were also evacuated as a precaution. In addition, a shelter-in-place advisory was issued for buildings located on Fifth Avenue between A and C Streets.

PG&E crews arrived within minutes. Due to the location of the damaged gas line, there was no simple or immediate way to stop the leak. PG&E determined that crews would need to excavate the roadway approximately one block away at Mission Avenue and B Street to access and isolate the damaged section of the line.

P.G.&E. was able tostop the leak by noon. In the meantime, the San Rafael Police Department and San Rafael Parking Services Division had to close several streets, and San Rafael Fire Department personnel remained on scene until PG&E had mitigated the hazard.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area until roadways were reopened.