Gas leak prompts evacuation of Foothills homes

A gas leak prompted the evacuation of several Foothills homes Wednesday morning.

According to Southwest Gas spokewoman Libby Howell, a resident in the area reported the leak at about 7:30 a.m. after smelling a foul odor in the air.

"The leak was from a stub pipe off a main line," Howell said.

Howell said three nearby homes were evacuated at 8:12 a.m. and the gas line was shut off by about 9:10 a.m.

"The residents of the homes that were evacuated are spending the night in a hotel," Howell said. "We believe it is a total of six people."

The leak occurred between 14th Avenue and Driftwood on 50th Street. The street was blocked off while repairs were being made.

Workers spent several hours making repairs and four aerators were set up to remove the odor of gas from the ground and from the air.

"The downside is they are loud and noisy," Howell said. "The good side is they will get the gas out of the area more quickly instead of allowing it to dissipate on its own."

Howell described the aerator as a pipe stuck into the ground and connected to a generator. The noise she said is caused by air coming out of the pipe and the generator running.

Repairs were completed Wednesday afternoon and Howell said she expects the evacuated residents could return to their homes on Thursday.

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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.