GAS LINE LEAK AT 2ND AND WILLOW STREET

On January 30th, 2024, at 11:57 A.M., Franklin County Emergency Communications Center received a report of a gas leak at the intersection of 2nd and Willow. The Ottawa Fire Department, Ottawa Police Department, and Franklin County Emergency Management were dispatched to the scene. The Ottawa Fire Department arrived on scene at 11:58 AM. Kansas Gas Service arrived on scene at 12:01 PM to begin containment of the gas line leak. During their efforts, it was determined that a two-inch gas line was struck by drilling/boring procedures. To contain the leak, Kansas Gas Service began digging efforts to provide adequate soil removal around the damaged gas line. The natural gas leak rate was hidden by the soil but intensified greatly once the soil was removed.

Gas line leak at 2nd and Willow streets

 As a precautionary measure, OFD and OPD personnel began blocking intersections into the area along with evacuation measures in the 200 and 300 blocks of Willow and Ash Streets. As another attempt to caution individuals from driving in the area or attempting to return to their residences in the area, Emergency Management activated an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Once the natural gas leak was contained, OFD personnel began going home to home those evacuated with gas monitors as a final precaution before residents returned home.

Kansas Gas Remains on scene for final repairs. I would like to thank Kansas Gas Service for the quick response along with the assistance from Franklin County Emergency Communications, Ottawa Police Department and Franklin County Emergency Management for the assistance during the event. The collaboration that occurred and the training that we all conduct assisted our departments for incidents such as today.