Crime & Safety
Gas Main Break Shuts Down Knapps Highway, Alvin Street
The break will take at least an hour to fix, according to the Connecticut Post. It is unknown when the roads will reopen.
Update, 8:17 p.m.
Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tracy issued a statement announcing that all but one apparatus has cleared the scene of the gas main break as of 7:50 p.m. Engine 2 remained on scene with Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) as a precautionary measure.
The three families who were evacuated have been allowed back in their homes after meter readings, according to Tracy's release. SCG plugged the leak at 7:15 p.m.
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"As always, the first responders did an excellent job keeping Fairfield safe," Fire Chief Richard Felner said.
Update, 7:21 p.m.
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The fire department reports the gas leak has been contained. Roads remain closed as Southern Connecticut Gas Company continues to work in the area.
Update, 7 p.m.
Maria Santos, resident who lives on Knapps Highway in front where line was struck was about to cook diner and light grill. She said firefighters came to door and told her she had 3 minutes to get out.
"It's going to be a long night," a firefighter said to a resident, just as a Southern Connecticut Gas trucked rolled up.
Update, 6:53 p.m.
Residents in the area of the gas main break have been evacuated as a precaution, according to a firefighter on scene.
A CodeRed (reverse 911) alert from the Fairfield Fire Department states that residents who have not been evacuated should remain indoors with their windows and doors closed, as natural gas rises.
The department expects the area to be clear in approximately one hour, according to the alert.
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Crews are on scene at Alvin Street in Fairfield responding to a gas main break that was reportedly caused by a construction crew doing roadwork.
Patch Regional Editor Gary Jeanfaivre drove by the scene, noting it smelled like gas and the break sounded like "rushing water."
CT News Alerts stated there is a 1 1/2 inch gas pipe broken in half. According to the Connecticut Post, the break will take at least an hour to fix.
Alvin Street is closed off between Knapps Highway and Lenox Road. Knapps Highway is closed off between Tunxis Hill Cutoff and Melville Avenue.
It is unknown when the roads will reopen.
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