Above / Naperville Fire Department responds to gas leak reported in the 500 block of Ogden Avenue. (PN File Photo)
At 11:01AM on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, the Naperville Fire Department responded for the reported natural gas leak inside an independent living facility at the 500 block of West Ogden Ave.
The initial response included an ambulance, truck and engine company along with an incident commander and safety officer (10 Personnel).
Fire companies arrived within four minutes and identified an increased level of natural gas and CO throughout the 1st floor. Responding crews and management of the facility coordinated the safe re-location of all residents within the building until further investigations could be completed.
The facility reported 74 total residents along with approximately 20 staff members inside the building at the time of initial 911 call. Several residents were relocated to be with family members during the incident while the remaining residents and staff were evacuated to other facilities in close proximity.
Two additional chiefs were added to the response along with a rescue vehicle to assist with incident operations (Three personnel).
During the coordinated evacuation, the source of the gas leak was identified and the building secured, residents were then returned to the facility without incident. The source of the leak was attributed to a commercial, gas fed dryer located on the first floor. During the incident NICOR identified and removed 2 other gas dryers from service for venting issues.
The incident concluded at 4:03PM and the building turned over to management. There were no reported injuries or illness to occupants or responders.
The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the following agencies: The Naperville Transportation, Engineering and Development group (TED), Naperville Fire Marshal, Naperville Emergency Manager, Building Management, Facility representatives, and NICOR.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and will follow up this week.
News submitted by Amy Scheller, Bureau Chief, for the Naperville Fire Department.
