FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KFSM) — On one of the coldest nights of the year, Black Hills Energy responded to a damaged gas line near the 1200 block of James Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Service had been temporarily interrupted for approximately 150 Black Hills Energy customers.
Technicians worked to make repairs safely and restore services, even pulling in additional crews from surrounding areas.
Amiee York, community affairs program manager for Black Hills Energy, said crews were able to complete the repairs about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night. Soon after, technicians began going door to door to relight the pilot lights for each customer where the gas had been turned off. Employees left tags on the doors of those who didn't answer, she said, instructing those customers to call the company to have their gas turned back on.
"It is extremely important that customers do not attempt to re-light their own pilot lights on their furnaces or water heaters," York said.
Repairs took about 4 1/2-5 hours to complete.
Customers can call 888-890-5554 for assistance with any natural gas service issues.
If any customer smells natural gas, they should leave their home immediately and call 911 and then Black Hills Energy’s emergency service line from a neighbor’s home or from a cell phone at 800-694-8989.
Don’t use the phone in the house where you smelled gas or turn off any lights as you leave. If there is gas in the house, a spark of any kind could ignite it and cause serious property and personal injuries.
Affected streets included Stephens Avenue, North and South Maxwell Drives, North Addington Avenue, North Garland Avenue, West Hendrix Street, West Carter Street, Mount Comfort Road and West James Street.