Contractor hits natural gas main causing large fire near Sylvan Road, Langford Parkway - FOX 5 Atlanta

Area around Sylvan Road, Langford Parkway closed for repairs after natural gas-fueled fire

ATLANTA - A portion of Sylvan Road from Estes Drive to Perkerson Road SW will remain closed to allow crews to repair a nature gas main rupture which fueled a fire on Wednesday.

Crews spent Wednesday evening cleaning up near the corner of Sylvan Road and Langford Parkway in southwest Atlanta. The exit and on-ramps to Georgia 166 West at Langford Parkway will also remain closed until further notice

Atlanta Fire Battalion Chief Matt Driver says at around 11:30, his crews got the call for a brush fire.

"Unclear if the fire started the brush or if the brush started the fire," said Chief Driver.

Atlanta Gas Light says a natural gas main was damaged by an unrelated contractor, resulting in the fire.

Gas line-fueled fire forces evacuations, road closures

Repairs are underway after a gas line caught fire in southwest Atlanta Wednesday morning. Nearby buildings had to evacuate, including a daycare. The children were seen holding hands as they walked out. Workers push the littlest ones out in their cribs.

SKYFOX 5 flew over the scene saw the blazing inferno.

"We had multiple units on the scene with gas monitoring equipment. We had uphill winds, so we had to make sure the public and our guys were in a safe area. So, we established a hot zone very quickly and got everyone out of harms way," said Chief Driver.

Flames overtook a nearby car. One witness says the flames came out of nowhere.

"The car was just driving by and underneath the car was just flames and came from everywhere. Just burning," the man said, adding that everyone inside was able to make it out safely.

A nearby daycare was forced to evacuate. The young children were seen holding hands as they exited the building. Bystanders also helped push strollers carrying the youngest of the children to safety.

"Human life is my very first thought," said Samuel Lee Moon III.

Thankfully, no one was injured, but those living nearby say the gas station is crucial in the community.

"It’s one of the safer gas stations in the community, so I’m not going to lie, it’s a huge loss for us. A lot of people who don’t have vehicles can walk to the gas station. Feel safe and walk back home," Moon said.

Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading and to douce the flames. Atlanta Gas Light crews were able to shut down the main and the blaze was extinguished shortly after.

"Unlike in the movies, it’s not as bad as people think. It’s very dangerous, but once we get in quickly, and rapidly, and establish those hot zones the chance for life safety and danger declines quickly," Moon said.

Firefighters battle a blaze feed by a rupture in a natural gas line along Sylvan Road near Langford Parkway on Sept. 20, 2023. (FOX 5)

Atlanta Gas sent the following statement:

"The safety of our employees, customers and the public is our No. 1 value. A contractor unrelated to Atlanta Gas Light working at 2049 Sylvan Road SW in Atlanta damaged a 4-inch natural gas main. The contractor’s tractor, who was digging at the site caught fire as a result. Atlanta Gas Light crews are on the scene working with first responders to safely secure the area. Once the area is safe, Atlanta Gas Light will work to make repairs. There are no outages for customers at this time and no injuries have been reported."

Atlanta transportation officials released detour directions to avoid the area:

Sylvan Road SW southbound

- Turn right onto Astor Ave SW westbound
- Turn left onto Arrow St SW southbound
- Turn left onto Estes Dr SW eastbound
- Turn right to return to Sylvan Rd SW southbound

Sylvan Road SW southbound to Langford Parkway westbound

- Turn right onto Astor Ave SW westbound
- Continue west across Lee St SW, onto Deshler St SW westbound
- Bear left onto Hardee Ave SW southbound
- Continue south onto the Langford Pkwy westbound on-ramp

Sylvan Road SW northbound

- Turn left onto Estes Dr SW westbound
- Turn right onto Arrow St SW northbound
- Turn right onto Astor Ave SW eastbound
- Turn left to return to Sylvan Rd SW northbound

Transportation officials ask all motorists to follow all signage in the area including detour signs and signs reading "closed" and "caution."

No word on when the repairs will be completed.

MAP OF THE AREA

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