Gas Leak Triggers Shelter In Place For Hours Amid 114 Degree Heat In Mecca

MECCA, CA — Fire crews and gas company workers were on the scene of a large gas leak in Mecca on Thursday afternoon, where temperatures hovered at 114 degrees.

The leak, which prompted officials to issue evacuation orders, warnings, and shelter-in-place orders, was later reduced to mere evacuation warnings hours later.

Residents were asked to stay out of the area of Coahuila and 2nd streets in Mecca, eastern Riverside County, after the leak was reported around noon, according to the Riverside County Fire Department and Cal Fire.

The department believes the leak originated from a valve issue involving a 1,200-gallon propane tank at Hammond Road.

The tank was "returned to operational order" by the late afternoon as crews has mitigated the leak but advised residents to stay clear of the area. The incident was turned over to the propane company and the Environmental Health Department.

No other information was immediately available.

Mecca is an unincorporated community located in eastern Riverside County, near the Salton Sea, and it lies within the southeastern portion of the Coachella Valley.

Click the image below for an interactive evacuation map: