Gas Leak Forces Evacuation Of Ithaca High School For Short Time

The area near Ithaca High School, including a nearby day care, was briefly evacuated Wednesday morning due to a gas leak. The Richland Center Fire Department was notified about a propane leak in the 24000 block of Highway 58 at around 10 a.m. Crews found that a natural gas service line near a home had been struck by a contractor who was performing ground work. Because of the nature of the leak, wind conditions, and not knowing when a utility service provider would arrive, fire crews and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office evacuated the surrounding area. Those evacuated included area residents, staff and students at a nearby day care and some faculty members at Ithaca High School. The Richland County Ambulance Service responded to create a reunification point for families of the evacuated day care students. After the utility service provider arrived, crews found low-level natural gas readings in a storm drain across from the broken service line. The provider was able to stop the leak at around 11:48 a.m. Crews were able to clear the scene at 12:21 p.m.