Saguache residents were briefly evacuated from their homes early Monday morning after an intermittent natural gas leak from a high-pressure pipeline release valve sent a plume of gas over the town.
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SAGUACHE- Saguache residents were briefly evacuated from their homes early Monday morning after an intermittent natural gas leak from a high-pressure pipeline release valve sent a plume of gas over the town.
The leak, located on Gunnison Avenue between 11th and 12th streets, produced a plume that moved over Saguache from the west-northwest, according to local officials.
Firefighters went door to door to evacuate residents on Gunnison and Denver avenues from 11th Street to 7th Street. Evacuees were directed to an emergency shelter established at the Town of Saguache Community Building at Otto Mears Park.
Xcel Energy Colorado technicians responded to the scene and were able to clear the high-pressure relief valve.
All evacuated residents were cleared to return to their homes at 1:50 a.m.
Officials have asked returning residents to open their windows and doors to air out any residual gas. Those who smell a strong odor of gas or require assistance are instructed to call the Saguache County Sheriff's Office at 719-655-2525 so firefighters can be dispatched to the location.
Xcel Energy personnel are scheduled to be in Saguache today to monitor the natural gas facility and conduct any necessary repairs.
Town officials thanked residents for a safe and orderly evacuation, noting that public cooperation greatly aided the emergency response.
