Utica Fire Department responds to minor gas leak, new telephone number available for gas-line information before digging

By By ANDREW DONOVAN

Story Created: Apr 18, 2009 at 2:56 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2009 at 2:56 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Utica Fire Department and National Grid responded to a minor natural gas leak on Churchill Street early Saturday afternoon.

Deputy Fire Chief Brendan Dunn says the small gas leak was caused when a resident of 914 Churchill Street severed the gas-line leading to his home. He was installing a small fence when he heard the gas-line open and evacuated the area.

Officials warn residents to get gas-lines marked before protruding the ground. Gas lines are higher up in the ground than in the past and are made of plastic, causing for an easier interference. Officials say that you should get the lines checked even when digging as little as one foot into the ground.

A new, federally-mandated national "Call Before You Dig" number is available for residents looking to get their lines marked. Call 811 in order to protect yourself from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects.

There were no injuries caused by the gas leak.
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