Workers, First Responders Lauded For Gas Leak Response In Lake Ridge

LAKE RIDGE, VA — More than 80 Lake Ridge residents affected by a gas leak in November weren't left out in the cold, thanks to the collaboration of first responders and other workers.

On Tuesday, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors honored the Prince William County Fire and Rescue, Prince William County Police, Prince William County Department of Social Services, OmniRide drivers, Red Cross, Washington Gas and other workers who contributed to the gas leak response.

Around 9:39 p.m. on Nov. 13, a gas leak prompted a fire and rescue response near the intersection of Oakwood Drive and Catania Place. An investigation found a 3-inch gas line was significantly damaged during excavation work, posing a risk to 82 residents of 65 townhomes.

"It's always a very difficult thing for us to make these types of decisions, and in the case of a gas leak, it's not what has happened already. The leak is happening," said Deputy Chief Kim Stewart with Prince William County Fire and Rescue. "The incident commander is also responsible for what might happen, and that caused people to be in very uncomfortable conditions. We're very glad there was an injury or loss on this incident, but it's still very difficult to be told in the middle of the night you must leave."

The county's Office of Emergency Management worked with Prince William County Public Schools and OmniRide to provide immediate shelter at Woodbridge High School for 82 people, including 11 children. Fire and rescue provided evacuation and shelter support. Stewart said more than 18 fire and rescue units had dispatched to the gas leak incident, and additional units provided fill-in coverage to respond to other calls.

Of the 82 people evacuated to Woodbridge High School, the county provided 30 adults and two children with overnight shelter due to loss of heating at homes during the gas leak. Others were able to return to their homes or find other accommodations.

"This is one of the reasons that I really enjoy working in Prince William County, and it's also one of the reasons I feel safe about living in Prince William County," said Police Chief Peter Newsham. "If you look at this collaboration between OmniRide, the schools, community services, your fire department, your police department, emergency management, and then to have our elected leaders recognize it and say thank you, it means the world to us."