Just
before 11 AM on July 21, Millville Fire Department responded to a natural
gas fire at Whittall Avenue and Shar Lane Blvd. Upon arrival MFD
found natural gas burning freely in an excavation in the street. A
work truck was parked very close to the excavation site however was not
involved in the fire. Civilian, Jeff Dunham (son of former MFD
Firefighter Jeffrey Dunham), assisted MFD in
laying a supply line to a hydrant which was about 200 feet
away. At the same time a 2" hose line was stretched to
location of the fire to protect the work truck. Once the hose line was in place and
charged, Chief Kurt Hess entered the truck and drove it to a safe
location away from the fire.
The gas company was notified and arrived at the scene within 10
minutes. Once on the scene the gas company located a valve in the street and shut
off the supply of gas.
The fire was apparently caused by workers welding in the excavation in
the street to connect a gas line for service. When gas fumes were
ignited the fire burned two of the workers. Their injuries did not
appear serious, however the workers were transported to Regional Medical
Center to be treated.
10 firefighters, three apparatus and a Chief's car was utilized in
mitigating the incident that lasted about one hour.
