Stoughton Fire Dept. Responds to Gas Leak at Winfisky Dr. Home Damaged in March Blaze

The responded to a report of a gas leak at Tuesday at 4:09 p.m. after a chimney partially collapsed at the home, falling on a gas meter, Captain Don Jasmin of the SFD said.

This is the same house that was . 

Jasmin said the partial chimney collapse may have had something to do with the structural damage to the house caused by the March fire, although the Captain said the official cause is under investigation.

There were no injuries to civilians or first responders, but as a precaution Jasmin said about eight homes on the street were evacuated. (Winfisky Dr. is located in a neighborhood off Bay Road.)

Members of the Cooper family, displaced by the March fire, live in temporary trailers in the backyard of the property and were also evacuated safely.

Jasmin said the gas was venting straight up, which is a good thing since natural gas is lighter than oxygen. Columbia Gas arrived on scene to deal with the gas leak. Ignition sources like lights, telephones or anything else that gives a spark were secured. 

The main gas line was not shut off, but gas was shut off at 49 Winfisky Dr. Jasmin said the gas was allowed to vent safely with the proper protection in place. 

Crews made sure it was safe before residents returned to their homes. 

Jasmin said the SFD was ready for a worst-case scenario, but luckily this never materialized. A gas explosion could have caused broken glass and damage to many homes on the street.

Two Stoughton fire engines, a ladder truck, an ambulance and shift command vehicle reponded to the scene. were also at the call.