Backhoe Ignites Gas Line In Woodland Hills; Homes Evacuated

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — Fire from a ruptured natural gas line forced the evacuation of nearby homes in the San Fernando Valley.

Fire officials say workers struck and broke the 4-inch gas main in Woodland Hills around 1 p.m. Wednesday. Flames at the site of the rupture were out shortly before 4 p.m.

Flames torched a backhoe and nearby trees and threatened homes on three sides.

Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart says homes at least a block to the west of the break were evacuated. Crews worked to protect the area from the embers and flames to prevent further spread, said Stewart.

No injuries werereported.

A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power truck was parked near the backhoe that burned in the blaze, but it wasn't immediately clear if it was
the utility's work that damaged the gas line.

The Southern California Gas Co. was called to shut off the line.

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