Fire Department

A resident working in his yard Saturday accidentally severed a gas line, causing a significant leak that could have been prevented with one quick phone call to Digger’s Hotline.

Engine Company 5 were initially dispatched to the home on Forge Drive around 2:00 p.m. As they approached the site, they could hear the hiss and smell the odor of natural gas. The residents standing nearby were advised to immediately leave the area and exit upwind of the leak.

MGE was called in, expediting its response to the area due to the significant leak emanating from beneath the soil in the three-foot trench. A Sensit monitor placed near the end of the trench alerted firefighters to significant levels of natural gas, and Engine Company 5 requested additional assistance from other fire crews and MPD.

As Engine Company 13 and Ladder Company 8 responded, MPD closed off traffic to the area. Firefighters approached neighboring homes along Forge Drive and Anvil Lane and ordered residents to evacuate to the south, in the opposite direction of the leak.

Engine 5 pulled and charged a hose line, placing a fog nozzle on the end to make a fine mist that would keep the natural gas release knocked down and confined to the immediate area.

Upon MGE’s arrival, technicians located the source of the leak and pinched off the line with specialized equipment, effectively cutting off the gas leak. A second MGE repair crew was also en route. In the meantime, the on-scene crew advised there was no further danger to the neighborhood, and residents were able to return home.

Engine Company 5 reconvened with the residents of the Forge Drive home where the leak occurred. They impressed upon the residents the importance of calling Digger’s Hotline before digging in the yard again in the future.

“This was a learning experience, and we’re all very lucky,” Engine 5’s officer said, and the residents agreed.

The residents were asked to share their experience with their neighbors, friends, and family in hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Madison Fire Department asks anyone reading this release to do the same.

Digger’s Hotline: (800) 242-8511