MoCo Fire Warns Of Increased Gas Leak Risk During Brutal Cold

ROCKVILLE, MD — As Montgomery County continues to face off against the brutal cold and a growing list of water main breaks, there's another serious concern residents will need to turn their attention toward.

Pete Piringer, a spokesman with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, is warning residents to monitor for natural gas leaks in their homes.

Of the hundreds of calls that first responders have investigated over the last several days, Piringer said multiple gas leaks were reported from inside and around single-family homes and residential and commercial complexes.

"Fire and rescue units have responded to multiple reports of both indoor and outdoor gas leaks, and expect to do so throughout the rest of the week and maybe into the weekend," he said in an X post.

The cold weather, which has yet to loosen its grip on the county, is to blame for the spike in gas leaks.

• Related: Life-Threatening Cold Returns To MD This Weekend, Forecasts Warn

Piringer explained that as the bone-chilling temperatures stick around, there's a higher chance for diaphragm meters to contract and expel hazardous gases.

In fact, that was the case late Monday, when emergency crews responded to a gas leak in downtown Bethesda, near the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and St. Elmo Avenue.

Piringer said residents should ensure the area around their gas meter and exterior vents is cleared of any debris at all times. When removing snow from the area, the best practice would be to use your hand as shovels could potentially damage vent pipes, he said.

If you detect a consistent smell of gas in your home, immediately leave the area and call 911.

Washington Gas, which is the primary natural gas utility for Maryland, also calls on residents to contact their emergency leak line at (844) 927-4427.