This update provided by the Fire-Assistant PIO on January 8, 2019. The following is an update concerning this morning’s gas leak at the intersection of Lester Road and Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn. A 4-inch main gas line that was approximately 7-feet deep was struck by a contractor that had been drilling under Lester Road.  The line was struck at a split and caused gas to leak into the sewage system.  Atlanta Gas and Light has been working for hours to not only dig into the asphalt, but locate the leak, and then clamp it.  All of this needed to be done without causing a new leak.  Firefighters remained on scene throughout the day to continue to monitor the lower explosive limits (LEL) of the gas, and to keep the citizens at a safe distance.  The main gas line in question has been successfully clamped, the lower explosive limits of the gas has dissipated to safe levels in the sewage system as well as the atmosphere.  The gas meters used by the Hazmat team are also showing safe readings inside of the business that had been evacuated earlier today.  Firefighters are in the process of removing their equipment and returning to service.  There were no injuries to report from today’s incident. The decision as to when the roadways will be reopened is being left up to Atlanta Gas and Light. 

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GAS LEAK SHUTS DOWN ROADWAYS IN LILBURN

   Lester Road and Lawrenceville Highway

(Lilburn, Ga., January 8, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 10:50 A.M. to a report of a gas leak at the intersection of Lester Road and Lawrenceville Highway NW in Lilburn.  The caller to 9-1-1 reported a gas line was hit while drilling.

Fire crews arrived on scene to find a contractor that had been drilling under Lester Road.  The contractor advised that he struck a gas line.  Firefighters immediately began shutting down roadways and contacted Atlanta Gas and Light for assistance.  The Hazmat team quickly arrived and began monitoring gas readings in the area including storm drains and expanded their hazard zone.

Per the Incident Commander, one business needed to be evacuated on Pleasant Hill road.  Although it was not immediately affected by the incident, Berkmar High School was notified to divert bus traffic until the leak was brought under control.  The roadways that have been closed are: Highway 29 from Lester Road (at Walmart) to Valley Road, Pleasant Hill Road from Burns to the dead-end at Pleasant Hill Road.

This is a long-duration incident. 

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 1-Engine, 1-Squad, 1-Hazmat Unit, 1-Battalion Chief, and 1-PIO