Natural gas leak on Chambers Avenue in Eagle prompts evacuations

EAGLE — Construction crews working in the East Chambers Avenue area of Eagle hit a natural gas line Monday afternoon, forcing evacuation of the area as emergency services responded.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Greater Eagle Fire Protection was dispatched to the report of a gas-line break at a construction site located at 1115 E. Chambers Ave. Multiple engines from Greater Eagle Fire Protection District and Gypsum Fire Protection District responded, along with Eagle Police Department and Eagle Public Works. When crews arrived on scene, they found a 4-inch, high-pressure gas line had been struck and was blowing a large amount of gas into the commercial area.

Crews immediately shut down East Chambers Avenue and evacuated approximately eight to 10 businesses due to the gas leak and the wind direction. Several other businesses in the area were asked to shelter in place or voluntarily evacuate. The Eagle County Justice Center remained open and operating.

Black Hills Energy responded immediately and began working with firefighters to shut off the gas leak. At 4:30 p.m., crews from Black Hills Energy were able to secure the gas line and East Chambers Avenue was reopened. Evacuations were then lifted and tenants were allowed back into their businesses.