Late Night Haz Mat Scare in Brentwood

On Friday, May 1, 2009 at 10:53 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 2 Hazardous Materials Teams, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Curt Klafta, responded to a reported HAZ MAT incident at 800 N. Sepulveda Bl. in the Brentwood area.

Firefighters responded to the report of the strong smell of gas by a Chevron representative. The first arriving Firefighters on scene upgraded the incident to a full Haz Mat assignment. The investigation revealed high hydrocarbon levels at a manhole cover from an unknown source. As a precaution, Sepulveda Boulevard was shut down between Sunset Boulevard and Moraga Drive and the northbound Moraga offramp from the 405 freeway.

Initial readings indicated 100% concentration inside the manhole and above ground readings registered zero. Concerns of the IC included a 26 inch Southern California gas line, two 8 inch gasoline lines, a 14 inch crude line and 2 apartment complexes located 50 yards away. Evacuation was considered, but not implemented. 90 minutes into the incident, the Haz Mat team readings indicated concentrations of only 5%. The incident was downgraded with the assistance of L.A. County Health Haz Mat. The investigation will continue.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies on behalf of Lauren deRosier, OCD Dispatcher
Los Angeles Fire Department