Bank Customers Evacuated After Gas Leak in North Pasadena

Pasadena firefighters rushed to the area of Washington Blvd. and Allen Avenue in Pasadena this morning shortly after 10 a.m. to respond to an emergency call about an exterior gas leak.

Upon arrival, fire units immediately decided to evacuate people from the nearby Chase Bank and cordon off the area because of the heavy gas odor present.

Lisa Derderian, Pasadena Fire Department spokesperson, said it would be prudent for residents to temporarily avoid the area for the meantime.

“Exterior gas leak, heavy odor of gas on arrival, evacuated Chase Bank and they’re cordoning off that area now at Allen and Washington,” Derderian said. “We have firefighters standing by on a fire hydrant to keep that area saturated with water because that will dissipate the gas.”

“It could lead to very serious situations so we want to make sure that we’re standing by until the gas company gets here,” Derderian said. “They’re usually quick so they should be there shortly.”

Pasadena police officers were also dispatched to the area, Derderian said.

A Southern California Gas Company spokesperson confirmed that SoCalGas crews responded after a third-party contractor damaged a small 1/2-inch line near a commercial building and caused a release of natural gas.

“SoCalGas crews worked with first responders to make the area safe. We stopped the flow of gas at 12:22 and are making permanent repairs,” the spokesperson said.

SoCalGas reminds residents and business owners to “call 811 before you dig” in the yard or at construction sites. Calling 811 or Underground Service Alert will help avoid possible injury or damage to hidden gas lines or service interruption while digging. More information is available at http://www.socalgas.com/safety