Aurora Gas Leak

Antonio Archuleta Photo ©

At 10:23 on December 18th, 2018 Aurora 911 Emergency Communications dispatched out Aurora Fire Rescue Battalion 2, Engine 1 and Truck 2 on an outside natural gas leak at 2301 N. Joliet St. and placed on TAC 2. Crews digging struck a gas line which prompted evacuation. Battalion 2 assumed Joliet command at 10:35. Crews identified a 4 inch gas main openly flowing toward the east. As the incident developed crews moved to TAC 5 and 11:04. Engine 2 and HazMat 2 were requested for gas monitoring, Engine 1 was replaced by Engine 2. Both units positioned west of the incident on E. 23rd Ave. Engine 2 dropped a 5 inch supply line from E. 23rd Ave. and Ironton St. Aurora Police Department was requested for traffic control to keep the supply line safe and was replaced by Arson 1. Crews read 78% LEL in the sewers and requested Rescue 8 routine for confined space and the intrinsically safe fan. LEL levels rose to 100% LEL and command requested R8 emergent.

Initial Dispatch: Battalion 2, Engine 1, Truck 2

Upgraded Incident: Battalion 2, Engine 2, Truck 2, HazMat 2, Rescue 8, Arson 1