40 homes evacuated following gas main strike on E. Loos Street in Hartford, Wi | By Chief Tony Burgard

October 23, 2024 – Hartford, Wi – At 9:26 a.m. on October 23, 2024, Hartford Fire & Rescue responded to the intersection of E Loos Street and East Avenue for the report of a gas line that was struck by a contractor.

Upon arrival, natural gas was found actively blowing out of the ground on E Loos Street at East Avenue where a tracked excavator had been digging.

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Contractors in the area said the excavator struck an approximate 2-inch gas main, immediately shut off the operating equipment in the area, and began notifying the closest houses of the gas leak.

Dispatchers advised WE Energies of the situation and requested an emergent response.

Additional Hartford Fire & Rescue firefighters and EMS arrived shortly after and closed off an approximate 2 block by 2 block area.

Due to the pressure of the gas main and the wind direction, a coordinated evacuation of 40 homes in the immediate vicinity was conducted by two engine companies, one ambulance crew, one staff vehicle, and one command vehicle.

Homeowners were escorted out of the immediate area until the situation could be brought safely under control.  WE Energies gas service workers arrived shortly after and were able to clamp the gas main closed by working in the hole that was being dug by the contractor.

After the leak was shut off, homes in the immediate area were checked to assure that natural gas had not built up inside. After it was determined that no dangerous levels of natural gas were found inside of the closest homes, the area was deemed to be safe, and homeowners were allowed to return to their homes.

No citizens or fire rescue personnel were injured in this incident. We would like to thank the affected homeowners for quickly evacuating their homes on a moment’s notice to help keep everyone safe.

Appreciation is also due to the working partners from Hartford Police Department for assisting with evacuation and road closures, Washington County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers, and WE Energies emergency response team.