Sulphur, Louisiana - Residents on three Sulphur residential streets were ordered to evacuate their homes Tuesday afternoon after a contractor struck an underground gas line, allowing natural gas to enter the sewer system, according to information released by local officials.
The Sulphur Fire Department issued the evacuation request at approximately 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, directing residents on Jodi Drive, Sherry Drive, and Janice Drive to leave their homes immediately as a safety precaution.
Authorities instructed residents to remain outside, avoid starting vehicles, and call 911 for more information. The warning about not starting vehicles is common in gas-related responses, as ignition sources—including engines, lighters, and certain electrical equipment—can pose a risk when gas is present.
All Clear Issued After About One Hour
Roughly one hour after the initial evacuation, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Sulphur Fire Department issued an all clear for the affected neighborhood.
Officials stated that residents on Jodi Drive, Sherry Drive, and Janice Drive were allowed to return to their homes at that time. No additional details were provided about testing methods or gas levels, but the all-clear indicates that responders determined conditions had returned to a safe level based on their on-scene assessment.
Cause Of The Incident: Contractor Strikes Underground Gas Line
City officials reported that the incident began when a contractor hit an underground gas line, causing natural gas to enter the sewer system.
When underground lines are damaged, gas can migrate through soil and infrastructure, sometimes finding its way into sewer networks, utility corridors, or nearby buildings. Sewer systems can act as pathways for gas because they are enclosed and connected across multiple properties.
Natural gas is highly flammable, and in confined spaces it can become explosive at certain concentrations. For that reason, even a suspected gas intrusion into sewer lines often leads to conservative safety measures, such as evacuations and restrictions on vehicle use or open flames.
Emergency Response And Public Safety Measures
The response from the Sulphur Fire Department followed standard safety practices for gas line incidents:
- Evacuation orders were issued for nearby streets to reduce the risk of harm to residents.
- Instructions not to start vehicles were given to limit potential ignition sources.
- 911 was designated as the point of contact for residents seeking updates or assistance.
Road Construction To Follow In Affected Area
After the immediate emergency response concluded, the City of Sulphur announced that road construction will follow in the area affected by the incident.