Humboldt Bay Fire Sees Increase in Gas Leak Calls

EUREKA, CA (KIEM) – Humboldt Bay Fire has seen an increase in gas leak calls, caused by striking and puncturing gas lines in the ground.

Fire crews have responded to three gas leaks within the last week..

The fire department has the resources to respond but they do encourage residents and construction personnel who work around utilities to call 811 before digging. It is a federally designated number you can call to prevent unintended hazards.

“Usually when people are hitting gas lines, it’s the lines coming prior to your meter. So it wouldn’t necessarily be helpful to even shut off your meter at that point, because the line is feeding it. Definitely, recommend call 811 before you dig. They’ll come out and mark everything. They’ll be able to tell you exactly where your lines are, and where its safe for you to dig. That way you have no accidents,” said Amy Conlin Humboldt Bay Fire Community Risk Reduction Specialist.