Ruptured Gas Line Triggers Fire, Evacuations in Woodland Hills

WOODLAND HILLS, CA - A natural gas line was ruptured today by a backhoe in Woodland Hills, sparking a fire that engulfed the construction vehicle and prompting some precautionary evacuations.

Firefighters were sent to the 5800 block of North Shoup Avenue about 1:15 p.m., said Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Fire officials said the damaged pipe is a 4-inch line. Utility crews were sent to shut off the flow of natural gas while firefighters worked to prevent the flames from igniting nearby trees and buildings.

No injuries were immediately reported.

A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power truck was parked near the backhoe that burned in the blaze, but it wasn't immediately clear if the utility was doing the digging that damaged the gas line.

Southern California Gas Co. officials frequently urge residents to call 811 before digging to ensure no underground utility lines could be damaged by the work.

City News Service