Utility Warns Residents of Possible Natural Gas Service Interruptions

Because part of one pipeline was washed away during recent storms and a second line was damaged, city officials warned residents Thursday about a possible shutdown of their natural gas service.

“It’s nothing imminent, but we want to put people on notice,” said Steve McClary, a spokesman for the city of Fillmore.

One of Southern California Gas Co.’s 12-inch pipelines ruptured beneath Sespe Creek near Old Telegraph Road during Monday’s storm. The line, buried 8 feet below the creek, split open and parts of the pipe washed downstream when roaring waters eroded the creek bed, said gas company spokesman Mario de los Cobos.

Crews shut off the line on the west side of the city and hoped to have a 2,400-foot section of the pipe replaced by Saturday, de los Cobos said.

“We’ve got crews working seven days a week,” he said.

When that project is complete, crews will turn their attention to the only other gas supply line to the city--a pipeline that brings gas to Fillmore from the east. That pipe, while still operable, received minor damage near Piru during the latest storm.

Southern California Gas officials were confident Thursday that the east line would hold up until the Sespe Creek section is finished. Once that happens, crews will replace 1,800 feet of pipe on the east line, de los Cobos said.

City officials, meanwhile, advised residents that if natural gas service to the city is shut off at any time in the next few days to check all gas pilot lights and report any problems to the Southern California Gas Co. at (800) 427-2200.