Excavator cuts gas line in Liberty Lake, causing residents to shelter in place or evacuate

A natural gas line broke at a Liberty Lake excavation site Wednesday, forcing firefighters to ask nearby households to shelter in place or evacuate.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to the 21300 block of East Country Vista Drive around 2 p.m., according to a news release.

Upon arrival, crews noted the wind was blowing from the south and observed a 2-inch free-flowing line about 25 feet from a home in the Legacy Ridge development where an excavator hit and severed the gas line, the release said.

More than six trucks were dispatched to the scene. Spokane Valley Fire crews blocked and isolated the area. Crews gave an evacuation notice for one home, while other homes sheltered in place until Avista Utilities was able to arrive and secure the gas line, the release said.

The fire department’s news release reminded people to call 811 before they dig to avoid gas line breaks.