At approximately 3:41 p.m. on January 3, the Snoqualmie Fire Department responded to a report of a natural gas line fracture on SE Newton St between Railroad Ave SE and Maple Ave SE in downtown Snoqualmie.
A strong odor of gas was reported along with visible venting from the roadway where construction was previously being done to relocate utilities.
Due to the inability to control the flow of natural gas, residents in the neighborhood surrounding SE Newton St and Maple Ave SE were evacuated to Snoqualmie City Hall approximately one block away.
When PSE crews arrived, nearby homes were monitored for natural gas buildup. It was determined that the homes were safe and the threat was isolated to the immediate vicinity of the 38700 block of SE Newton St. The evacuation order was lifted and all residents have returned safely to their homes.
In total, 32 fire personnel and 12 fire trucks were at the scene for the ultimate safety of residents. Fire personnel included firefighters of Snoqualmie Fire, Eastside Fire & Rescue, Fall City Fire, and the Bellevue Fire Department. Also responding were the Snoqualmie Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
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Contact:
Joan Pliego
City of Snoqualmie
jpliego@snoqualmiewa.gov
425-281-3317