Propane Leak Prompts Evacuation, Shutters Major Hollywood Street

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A propane vapor leak lead a state office building in East Hollywood to be evacuated Friday afternoon and a major thoroughfare to be shut down, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The leak occurred from a 500-gallon stationary propane tank located adjacent to a state office building at 437 N. Vermont Ave, which houses the California Highway Patrol.

The leak was first reported before 1 p.m.; LAFD personnel, including hazardous materials specialized, worked to stop the leak.

Authorities evacuated approximately 25 people from the office building and ordered all occupants of the adjacent American Career College to shelter in place.

Vermont Avenue was completely shut down between Rosewood and Oakwood avenues. The closure also impacted the Vermont Avenue offramp of the southbound 101 Freeway, according to a Sigalert.

A contractor who had serviced the tank less than 24 hours prior to the leak returned to secure it Friday afternoon.

Following the repair, the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were lifted and Vermont Avenue was reopened by 2:30 p.m., according to the LAFD.