FIRE crews averted a possible emergency situation in upper Piper Street after a gas pipe was ruptured on Tuesday morning.
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Firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue attended the scene, along with their Hazmat (Hazardous materials) unit, after receiving a triple-0 call at 9.47am.
Station officer at Bathurst Station Sandy Collins said the caller alerted authorities to the situation after a gas pipe was damaged after being hit by a lawn mower.
Station officer Collins said when fire crews arrived, two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus dispersed the built-up gas with a hose line, before clamping the damaged gas pipe.
Station officer Collins then said the gas company arrived, turned off the gas supply to the area and then began repairs to the damaged pipe.
As a result of the incident, two people inside a unit nearby self-evacuated and went to a neighbour’s house and waited for emergency crews.
Station officer Collins said the situation could have been potentially dangerous due to the build -up of gas and the fact there were so many houses in close proximity.
“With so many houses there is a risk of explosion, because all you need is an ignition point,” he said.
Fortunately, the leak was in an open space, which assists the gas to disperse and prevents it building up. Station officer Collins said firefighters remained at the scene monitoring gas levels to ensure it was safe before people returned home.
He said the occupants of the house who contacted emergency crews did everything right.
“The lady rang triple-0, which is absolutely the correct thing to do,” he said.
“Being right around the corner, we got here very quickly.”
Station officer Collins said luckily no one required medical treatment.
“The lady and her sister got out straight away and went to a neighbour’s house,” he said.
Fire crews also checked neighbouring houses to ensure they were safe.