San Jacinto neighborhood evacuated after possible gas leak
A San Jacinto neighborhood was evacuated as crews tried to fix a ruptured gas main on Thursday afternoon.
The Riverside County Fire Department said they started receiving reports of a natural gas leak at roughly 11:25 a.m. near the North State Street and West Esplanade Avenue intersection. They found a damaged gas line outside of a local business.
Roughly two hours later, authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents and businesses south of Seventh Street, west of Santa Fe Avenue, East of Palm Avenue and north of Fruitvale Avenue. Evacuees can go to Tahquitz High School at 4425 Titan Trail, Hemet, CA 92545, which will act as a reception and care center for the time being.
Authorities also established an animal shelter for evacuees at 6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.
Officers closed State Street and Esplanade Avenue, according to the Hemet Police Department.
"Roads will be closed with hard barricades for a few hours until resolved," the department posted on Facebook. "Will update post when the roads are clear."
It's unclear how many people were evacuated. The evacuation area is roughly 2 sq miles.
Firefighters said SoCal Gas crews arrived to fix the leak. They were still working as of 3:32 p.m.
