JOHNSON CREEK, Wisconsin – A limited number of community members in Johnson Creek were evacuated from their homes and workplaces Wednesday morning due to a large-scale gas main break that has since been repaired.

According to Johnson Creek Fire Chief Ben Patterson, the fire department was notified of a gas line break at the corner of Milwaukee St. and N. Watertown St. at 9:20 a.m. on August 21, 2024. A major fire department response team was dispatched to the area along with local police.

They secured the area within a quarter-mile radius in all directions to contain and assess when We Energies crews were notified. Authorities say “a large, high-pressure underground gas line was struck, ejecting a large plume of natural gas approximately 30 feet into the air.”

People in the area were advised to stay in their homes while the cause of the problem was investigated and solutions worked on. As relief crews arrived and weather experts were consulted about potential hazards, emergency responders evacuated people in the immediate area so they could safely go about their work without fear of civilians being put at risk by the leak.

We Energies crew members secured the gas line break, monitored power in the area, and eventually restored power to the affected area. At this point, firefighters conducted air quality tests in the affected buildings to ensure it was safe for people to return.

They found no danger and cleared the way for people to return while We Energies teams resumed repair work.

No one was injured and there is no further danger to the community of Johnson Creek as a result of this incident.

This is a developing news story. An update and/or continuation may be issued as new information becomes available.

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