A ruptured gas main required St. Paul firefighters to evacuate a neighborhood as a raging fire consumed a home on Feb. 1.
Just before 10:30, companies were alerted to the 2000 block of Villard Avenue for a worker that struck a gas line while cleaning a sewer trap. An explosion rocked the basement, and the worker escaped as the contents of the basement started on fire. The initial assignment consisted of Engines 19, 5, 4, Ladder 20, Squad 2 and District Chief 1.
The crew of Engine 19 found heavy smoke billowing from the one-story structure. They initiated an interior attack, but found heavy fire in the basement. Other crews could smell gas in the neighborhood. Ladder 8 personnel were assigned as the rapid intervention team, and chief was assigned as the safety officer.
District Chief 1 ordered an evacuation of crews. The utility company was requested.
Crews positioned handlines around the home to protect the exposures, which were about 10 feet away. As the odor of gas became heavier in the area, command ordered an evacuation of several homes in the neighborhood. A transit bus was called to keep them warm.
As the incident escalated, Engine 15 and Squad 3 were also called to the scene to relieve crews.
According to Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard, the worker who was in the basement was treated for burns on his face and hands.
