Beachwood Court has been evacuated after a Pacific Gas & Electric gas leak was discovered near Sunnyslope and Fairview roads.
“This is going to be an extended event. Maybe about four hours before we can actually cease the leak,” explained Bob Martin Del Campo, the new chief of the Hollister Fire Department just after 9 a.m. Thursday morning.
Due to a construction accident, a gas leak was reported in the area at 7:52 a.m., according to a statement from the Hollister Police Department. Police officers went door to door helping residents evacuate within a two-block radius of the area, according to the statement. Two fire engines were also on scene, according to the fire chief.
“We’ve evacuated the court on Beachwood. We’re going to set up an evacuation center at the Bertha Briggs Building on Memorial (Drive),” Martin Del Campo said.
Because of the way the wind blows, anything southeast of the site might have slightly poor air quality due to the density of the gas, he said. Fairview Road was blocked east and west, “so there’s no access,” the fire chief said.
“Commuters are going to have to find other ways of getting around this area,” Martin Del Campo said.
