A natural gas leak forced the temporary closure of four businesses, including two popular restaurants, on one of Vancouver’s busiest boulevards Friday evening.
The gas leak was reported at the Chipotle restaurant, 915 S.E. 164th Ave., at 5:10 p.m. Vancouver firefighters happened to be at the scene of a nearby auto crash and were alerted to the gas leak by a passerby who smelled mercaptan, an additive that makes natural gas smell like rotten eggs.
Firefighters traced the odor to the restaurant and also ordered the evacuation of Panera Bread, The Barbers and Oregon Hot Tub, all of which share the building with Chipotle. About 30 customers and employees had to leave the businesses, according to a fire department news release.
A hazardous materials team responded and stood by until Northwest Natural crews arrived to shut off the gas. Power was also shut off as a precaution.
