January 28, 2022 1:00 p.m.

A natural gas leak closed a part of downtown Roseburg on Friday.

Fire Chief Monte Bryan of the City of Roseburg Fire Department said just after 10:00 a.m. fire personnel responded to a reported natural gas line rupture and a significant leak of natural gas at 555 Southeast Kane Street.

Bryan said upon arrival, firefighters determined that a 3 quarters of an inch natural gas line had been damaged by construction equipment.

Firefighters coordinated evacuations and asked those in a 4 to 6 block radius to “shelter in place”. Avista and Michels Utility Services worked to cap the damaged line. Fire personnel also provided traffic control as vehicles were routed around the area. Bryan said the line was capped at 11:07 a.m. and occupants were allowed to return to normal business operations.