Evacuation In Place For Parts of Downtown Blue Ridge

BLUE RIDGE, GA – Workers have hit a natural gas line near the intersection of West First Street and Mountain Street in downtown Blue Ridge.

Reported around 10:45 A.M on Thursday, November, 9, 2017, a natural gas line has been damaged causing a leak in the area.

Fire Chief Larry Thomas is on the scene, and reports that the damage has not been able to be surveyed, but will be done promptly as soon as the gas is shut off to the line. Atlanta Gas Light officials were notified and are on the scene as well.

There is a mandatory evacuation in place. Thomas states that the evacuation zone will be “300 to 500 feet.”

This zone includes Blue Ridge Elementary School (BRES). Students from BRES have been transported to Fannin County High School.

From Fannin County School System via Facebook:

The City of Blue Ridge has contacted the school system to ask that Blue Ridge Elementary be evacuated as a precautionary measure due to a gas line break.

There is no immediate danger to students at Blue Ridge Elementary, but out of an abundance of caution public safety officials feel that moving the students away from the incident is best. Buses are leaving Blue Ridge Elementary now, transporting students to Fannin County High School.

No other schools are affected by this gas line situation; all of those students are safe and activities on these campuses will continue as normal.

From Fannin County EMA via Nixle:

Residents are asked to try to avoid the area until further notice.

Follow FetchYourNews for the latest updates on this developing situation.

 

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