Gas Leak Near City Hall In Lake Elsinore Prompts Road Closures, Shelter In Place Orders

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department firefighters rushed to downtown Lake Elsinore, where a gas leak was reported on Tuesday.

Shortly after 11 a.m., a third-party contractor remodeling a portion of City Hall accidentally ruptured the 4-inch gas line, media spokesperson Sarita Figueroa of SoCal Gas told Patch.

The rupture occurred at 130 South Main Street, in the alley behind Lake Elsinore City Hall. During the incident, roads were closed and occupants of the building were evacuated, while residents behind the building were asked to shelter in place.

As of 2:30 p.m., SoCal Gas had stopped the leak hours after it was reported, according to Cal Fire. Meanwhile, all evacuations and shelter-in-place orders were lifted, and residents were cleared to return to their homes and businesses.

No injuries or evacuations were immediately reported, according to initial reports.

Remember, before digging or conducting construction, always call 811 to have gas lines properly marked and avoid potential hazards and pipeline damage, Figueroa said.