A backhoe struck a natural gas line Tuesday afternoon at a construction site in Camas, requiring people nearby to shelter in place.
Around 12:30 p.m., the Camas-Washougal Fire Department was sent to a report of a broken natural gas line in the area of Northwest Howard Street and Northwest 47th Drive near Lacamas Lake. The backhoe had hit a 2-inch natural gas line that was venting pressurized gas, according to Chief Nick Swinhart.
Firefighters called for immediate assistance from Northwest Natural Gas, and advised neighbors to keep all windows and doors closed.
One nearby family evacuated their house after smelling the strong odor, Swinhart said.
Northwest Natural Gas arrived within about 30 minutes and repaired the line.
