SOUTH CAROLINA — More than 1,000 residents in Spartanburg County are currently being asked to evacuate Thursday morning after a natural gas leak caused by a damaged gas line, according to county officials.
Spartanburg County Emergency Management said a utility contract worker struck a four-inch natural gas line, releasing vapors into the atmosphere.
Officials said the evacuation is being ordered as a precaution and warned residents they may smell a chemical odor because additives are placed in natural gas to help people detect leaks.
County officials said more than 1,000 residents and at least a dozen businesses are within the impacted area.
Spartanburg High School is serving as a reunification point for residents leaving their homes.
The Charles Lea Center said its main campus falls within the half-mile evacuation radius. Individuals participating in the center’s day programs are being evacuated to the Ingles parking lot at 2375 Chesnee Highway.
According to county officials, the leak is also impacting McCarthy Teszler School. Spartanburg County School District Seven said no students were on campus at the time and staff members have already relocated to Spartanburg High School.
Officials said the following streets are within the evacuation zone:
- Floyd Road
- Burdette Street
- Audrey Drive
- Plum Creek Road
- Dove Court
- Lacey Leaf Court
- Leafy Way
- Summit Hills Drive
- Corner Street
- Dillon Drive
- Denington Drive
- Carterfield Place
- Pleasant Breezes Way
- Soft Breezes Lane
- Essex Ridge Court
Emergency officials urged residents to avoid flames, sparks, smoking, or anything that could ignite gas near the leak. Residents are also being asked to use safe evacuation routes, keep roads clear for emergency responders, and call 911 if they smell gas or need emergency assistance.
Officials continue to monitor the situation.
