UPDATE, 4:10 p.m.: The evacuation order has been lifted, according to a dispatcher with the Southern Idaho Regional Communications Center. Jerome residents in the affected area are now able to return to their homes.

Jerome Fire Chief Tom Hughes said that most people in the affected area complied with the volunteer evacuation order.

About 60 residences are still without gas, but the utility company is working on repairing it. More important is that, Hughes said, "the hazard has been mitigated."

_____

ORIGINAL STORY

JEROME, Idaho (KLIX)- Jerome authorities have evacuated homes after work crews hit a gas line.

According to information released by the Jerome City, utility crews hit a line between 3rd and 4th Avenue East after about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Jerome City Fire Department are on the scene as well as Intermountain Gas.

Officials have asked people living in the 3rd and 6th Avenue East block from North Adams to North Cleveland to evacuate.

Residents are being warned if they smell gas to call 911. The city has opened the council chambers for anyone displaced. The repaired are expected to take an hour.

 

More From Kool 96.5