This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Fire out, gas shut after backhoe strikes gas main in Woodland HIlls
A gas main fire broke out in Woodland Hills Wednesday, setting a backhoe and nearby trees aflame.
The gas main fire broke out at 5858 Shoup Avenue.
(
Google Maps
)
A fire that broke out after a backhoe struck a gas main Wednesday in Woodland Hills has been extinguished, according to LADWP officials.
The agency said in a statement that one of its crews was on site installing service to an adjacent property when the gas main was struck.
The statement continues:
All scheduled, non-emergency, underground construction by LADWP crews is approved in advance and occurs only after utility lines are marked by the utility owner, or its contracted entity. At this time, the incident is under investigation to determine why the gas line was struck.
Update 2:28 p.m.: Evacuations ordered for homes near Woodland Hills gas main fire
A fire broke out in Woodland Hills Wednesday after a backhoe struck a gas main, prompting evacuations as firefighters battled the blaze.
The gas main fire broke out at 5858 Shoup Avenue, setting the backhoe and nearby trees aflame.
Sponsored message
The fire department was unable to provide numbers for how many homes had been evacuated, but there are exposed buildings on three sides of the fire, according to Margaret Stewart, public information officer for the L.A. Fire Department. Homes at least a block to the west of the break were being evacuated, according to the Associated Press.
The gas main fire broke out at 5858 Shoup Avenue.
(
Google Maps
)
No injuries had been reported as of 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. More than 75 firefighters were on the scene, Stewart said.
Crews were working to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent trees while waiting for SoCal Gas to shut down the gas line, but a nearby pine tree ended up shooting embers into the residential neighborhoods to the west, a public information officer on the scene told the L.A. Daily News. Still, firefighters were able to protect the structures.
“We can’t extinguish this fire until the gas line is shut down,” Stewart said.
The gas company was on the scene, according to the PIO who spoke with the Daily News. He estimated that it would be two to three hours before the leak and the fire were extinguished.
https://twitter.com/JoeStudley/status/760937742599540736
Sponsored message
This story has been updated.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
