Crews fix gas leak that forced evacuations in West Bountiful

Utility workers have patched a gas leak that had forced several residents from their West Bountiful duplexes Tuesday morning.

The South Davis Metro Fire Department responded to an emergency call shortly after 6:30 a.m. near 900 West and 1000 North, said Fire Chief Jeff Bassett.

A homeowner had been smelling the gas for three days before calling 911, Bassett said.

Two engines, including one specializing in hazardous materials, arrived on the scene. Five duplexes were evacuated as a precaution, and 1000 North was closed until shortly before 8:00 a.m, Bassett said.

"The good thing about natural gas is, it's lighter than air, so as soon as we open up the sewer manholes and the water manholes, it just evaporates and goes away, which is what we want it to do," Bassett said.

Questar utility workers were called to the scene shortly after 7:00 a.m. By 11:50 a.m., they had found the leak and secured it, said Questar spokesman Chad Jones.

While the cause of the leak was unknown, Jones said natural gas leaks are usually caused when construction workers damage gas lines.

Residents were returning to their homes Tuesday afternoon, Jones said.

hstevens@sltrib.com

Twitter: @Harry_Stevens