Evacuations Lifted Following Gas Leak In West Hollywood

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Residents could return back to their homes Wednesday night after a ruptured gas line prompted West Hollywood officials to evacuate residents and close streets.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department was called around 2 p.m. to 8428 Melrose Avenue, near La Cienega Boulevard, officials said.

A back-hoe operator inadvertently cut the gas line, according to Denise King of Southern California Gas Company.

Some buildings were evacuated and others were asked to shelter in place as a safety precaution. Melrose was shut down east of La Cienega.

Meanwhile, crews dug trenches in the street to repair the gas main and checked the three homes that lost service.

Crews capped the gas line around 4:15 p.m.

King said residents should contact Southern California Gas Company before digging for projects like swimming pools and retaining walls.

"We encourage homeowners and contractors to call 811 two days before they intend to dig to have us come out and mark gas lines to prevent unnecessary disruptions," King said. "It's free."

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