CAPTION: Hutchinson Fire Department crews have been working on a fire incident that occurred at Steffen’s Auto Parts Saturday morning. CREDIT HFD
The Hutchinson Fire Department and Kansas Gas Service both released updates on the gas fire and explosion that occurred Saturday morning at Steffen’s Auto Parts near Ave. E and Main Street.
The Hutchinson Fire Department had discussions with Kansas Gas and the evacuation area has been minimized to the following area: Main Street from D. Ave down to G Ave. one Block East and West of Main Street on E. Ave.
This includes all businesses on both sides of Main Street and one residential home at 11 East F Ave. As of 8:15 a.m. Sunday, there are 18 businesses and one residential home without gas service.
“If you live outside of the stated area, you may return to your home,” HFD’s release said.
Kansas Gas will continue to have a large presence in this area for the next couple of days. Kansas Gas issued a press release at 3 p.m. Sunday and thanked the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the repair process.
Those without gas can call 888-482-4950 for technicians to relight appliances and perform safety checks. An adult must be home for our technicians to enter each customer location and Kansas Gas urged residents to not attempt to turn the meter back on themselves.
“Our technicians continue to monitor the area as we work with the authorities on an investigation,” Kansas Gas wrote. “If you would like to submit a claim for issues related to the loss of gas service, please contact our Claims team at kgsclaims@onegas.com or 913-599-8934. As always, your safety is our top priority. If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and then call 911 and our emergency number at 888-482-4950.”
“We ask that you continue to avoid the area as work is being done to remedy the situation. Kansas Gas is continuing to monitor the area for gas and will continue throughout the next couple of days,” HFD’s release said.
HFD said fire crews made significant progress and all hands are working on fixing the situation.
If you feel you have a gas emergency, please contact 911 for HFD response.
