Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams praised County staff and community partners who responded and provided assistance following a gas leak in Fayetteville on Thursday, Jan. 4.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams praised County staff and community partners who responded and provided assistance following a gas leak in Fayetteville on Thursday, Jan. 4.
A North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) subcontractor hit a 12-inch gas line maintained by Piedmont Natural Gas near Bragg Boulevard and Bargain Street, causing a gas leak that resulted in multiple road closures and the evacuation of surrounding businesses and a Motel 6.
Cumberland County Emergency Services quickly engaged partners including the American Red Cross and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation (FCPR) to open an emergency overnight shelter at Westover Recreation Center to provide accommodations for those displaced by the incident. The shelter was staffed by employees with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health. Cumberland County Animal Services assisted with relocating displaced pets. In total, 46 residents and seven pets were sheltered.
Piedmont Natural Gas stopped the leak just before noon on Jan. 5, and air monitoring was conducted to determine that it was safe for occupants to return to the Motel 6.
“I want to commend everyone who responded quickly to this incident to keep our residents safe including our County employees, first responders, Piedmont Natural Gas, the Red Cross, City of Fayetteville and others,” said Chairman Adams. “When something like this happens, it’s critical that we’re able to work together efficiently to protect and take care of our residents. This was a great example of that collaboration and I’m proud of the response.”
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