HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-11 - Natural Gas Leak - Westfield Southcenter MallCity Of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Fire Department Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief
AL
For Immediate Distribution
Type of Incident: Natural Gas Leak
Location: Westfield Southcenter Mall
Date /Time: March 11, 2016 7:00 am Case Number: 16 -00979
Press Contact: Martv Grisham Phone Number: 206 571 -3427
Description of Incident
Distribution:
Local Media
Mayor's Office
City Administrator
City Clerk's Office
Council Analyst
PD Administration
PD Supervisors
PD Records
This morning, at 4:51 am, a security guard with Westfield Southcenter Mall detected an
odor of natural gas inside the mall near the east entrance. The security guard quickly
called 911 to report the problem. This generated a fire department response to the mall,
which include three fire engines, one ladder truck, an aid unit, a hazardous materials
unit and our on duty Battalion Chief. A second Battalion Chief and a Public Information
Officer were added.
Upon arrival crews confirmed there was an odor and immediately began their
investigation to locate, isolate and mitigate the leak. The mall was temporarily closed
and evacuated for precaution.
The source of the odor was quickly located and crews were able to stop the leak. Large
fans and air handling units in the mall were used to quickly remove the gas and render
the mall safe to reoccupy.
Currently, the mall is safe and re- occupied. The mall will be open to the public at its
normal time this morning.
If this news release reached you in error, please contact our office at
206 - 575 -4404 so that we may correct the information in our
database.
444 Andover Park East. Tukwila, WA 98188 • Phone (206)971 -8740 • Records Fax (206)575 -4275