Gas leak shuts down Minot Ave

May 14, 2010

A gas leak on Oakhill Road on Friday, May 14, shut down Minot Avenue between Minot Forest Elementary School and the Narrows as well as both directions of Indian Neck Road.

The Fire Department evacuated approximately 12 homes on Oakhill Road mid-morning, not all of which were occupied, while waiting for the gas company to arrive and shut off the leak.

In situations like this, the Fire Department removes all incendiary threats in the area and allows the gas to "free flow" until the gas company can come in and shut down the necessary lines, Wareham Fire Chief Robert McDuffy said.

One citizen needed assistance being evacuated from her house due to an existing leg injury, but there were no injuries due to the incident.

There was no evacuation necessary for the Minot Forest Elementary School or the Forestview Nursing Home.

The cause of the leak is undetermined, but there is road construction at the command site, which was the intersection of Minot Avenue, Indian Neck Road, and Oak Street.

Chief McDuffy confirmed that it was a leak from a single source and said that the light wind from off the water helped keep the gas from more populated neighborhoods.