The Westport Fire Department was called to a loud “hissing” noise on Jesup Green, which is located on Jesup Rd in front of the Westport Library. The fire department responded with two engines and the shift commander. The rescue company was clearing off of another call in the area and responded as well. The first arriving fire unit reported a high-pressure gas line had been cut. It was discovered that a tent crew had allegedly struck the line while setting up tents for an event this past weekend. The leak did not become evident until the company returned to remove the large tent stake. Westport Fire deployed a protective hose line and evacuated the surrounding buildings. Evacuations included three commercial occupancies and the Gillespie Center. All of the buildings were metered for gas readings.

Westport Police responded to assist with traffic and crowd control, and Westport EMS later responded to assist with rehab. Southern CT Gas was notified upon dispatch of the call and they responded. There was no shutoff readily available near the cut line and the gas company had to crimp the line to stop the flow. This procedure was performed while firefighters stood by with a hose line to protect the gas company employees. The gas line was crimped off and the fire department re-metered the surrounding buildings. Once complete, the occupants were allowed to return and the business reopened. As a reminder, state law requires that you contact “Call Before You Dig” at 811 or 800-922-4455 at least 48 business hours prior to digging. Once notified, Call Before You Dig will contact member utilities to come to your site and mark underground utility wires, cables, and pipelines. This event could have potentially been avoided if the service had been utilized.