Ruptured Gas Line Shuts Down Saticoy Street

RESEDA, CA — Commuters were being advised to avoid West Saticoy Street in the Reseda area Thursday morning after a natural gas line ruptured. The rupture also triggered evacuation from surrounding homes.

The gas line was ruptured by workers operating in the 17700 block of West Saticoy Street. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called and SoCalGas crews sent to the scene to repair the damage. However a section of Saticoy Street was closed until crews can turn off the flow of natural gas.

Southern California Gas Company crews sent to the scene closed the leak shortly after 1 p.m., the LAFD said.

"The natural gas fumes have dissipated, and LAFD hazmat experts have identified no ongoing concerns," LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

After the leak occurred, occupants of about 25 homes, businesses and a house of worship were evacuated, but the evacuations were lifted about 1:15 p.m., according to the LAFD.

"It is believed the damage was caused by a third-party contractor working in the area," SoCalGas spokeswoman Melissa Bailey said. "No natural gas service outages have been reported at this time. We want to remind contractors, business owners and residents to `call 8-1-1 before you dig' at construction sites or in the yard."

The damaged line is a "standard-pressure service line," Bailey said.

"Though natural gas can be flammable at specific concentrations, LAFD hazmat experts are using special sensors to monitor natural gas fumes in the community, and have identified no specific concern beyond the initial 500- foot precautionary zone," LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

The repairs to the line were continuing into the afternoon, authorities said.

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City News Service contributed to this report.