Spokane Valley Residents Flee After Gas Leak Forces Evacuations

Spokane Valley Residents Flee as Gas Leak Sparks EvacuationsSpokane Valley Residents Flee as Gas Leak Sparks Evacuations Spokane Valley, Washington – Residents in a Spokane Valley neighborhood were forced to evacuate their homes on Thursday after a gas leak prompted a response from multiple emergency agencies. The leak was reported around 10 a.m. near the intersection of Mission Avenue and Sullivan Road. According to Avista Utilities, a contractor working at a construction site accidentally hit a gas line, causing a leak. The Spokane Valley Fire Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the scene. Gas technicians from Avista were also dispatched to stop the leak. As a precautionary measure, officials ordered the evacuation of an approximately 1,500-foot area around the leak site. This affected approximately 50 homes, with roughly 150 residents displaced. Evacuees were instructed to gather at the Spokane Valley YMCA on N. Sullivan Road. The American Red Cross was also on standby to provide assistance. The evacuation order remained in effect for several hours as crews worked to control the leak. Avista technicians eventually isolated the damaged line, and the gas flow was stopped. By early afternoon, the evacuation order was lifted, and residents were allowed to return to their homes. However, some residents reported smelling a strong odor of gas and were advised to keep their windows open for ventilation. Avista officials said the construction contractor involved in the accident was not affiliated with the utility company. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.