Methane gas leak forces evacuations in Ventura

A methane gas leak has forced evacuation orders and warnings in Ventura Thursday afternoon.

Fire crews responded to reports of methane gas odors on the 2800 block of Bayshore Avenue at around 11 a.m. The area is located near the beach and an elementary school.

By 3 p.m., city officials confirmed that methane gas was detected in the underground sewer pipeline system on a street densely populated with homes.

Sky5 footage captured fire crews venting manholes and testing the air quality as they searched for the source of the gas leak.

Evacuation orders have been issued for:

All of Bayshore Avenue south of Coral Street

Seahorse Avenue west of Seaview Avenue, all of Bayshore Avenue south to Peninsula Street

Evacuation warnings are in place for:

Residents along Pierpont Boulevard between Greenock Lane, Seaward Avenue and Harbor Boulevard

Shelter-in-place orders are in effect for:

The area west of Pierpont Boulevard, south of San Pedro Street and north of Greenock Lane

Hard road closures were issued for:

Bayshore Avenue north of Peninsula Street and south to Coral Street

Clearview Avenue north of Peninsula Street

Peninsula Street from Seahorse Avenue to Pierpont Boulevard

Pierpont Boulevard from Seaward Avenue to Greenock Lane. (Pierpont Elementary parents will be allowed through to pick up their children)

A temporary evacuation area has been set up in the lower parking lot of Ventura College located at 4667 Telegraph Road.

Staff at nearby Pierpont Elementary School issued an early pickup request to parents who were able to do so. Students who need to stay at the school will be sheltering in place.

“High levels of methane gas can reduce the amount of breathable air in the ambient environment and can lead to explosive conditions,” Ventura city officials said. “Residents who live within the warning areas are asked to follow the instructions of public safety officials.”

The cause of the gas leak remains under investigation.

This developing story will be updated.

A methane gas leak has forced evacuation orders and warnings in Ventura Thursday afternoon. Fire crews responded to reports of methane gas odors on the 2800 block of Bayshore Avenue at around 11 a.m. The area is located near the beach and an elementary school. By 3 p.m., city officials confirmed that methane gas was […]