Bay Point Fire Prompts Chevron Gas Pipeline Explosion Risk, Evacuations

Update: 5:35 a.m. EDT — The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District reported that approximately 4,000 people were evacuated from 1,400 homes, as Chevron workers try to reduce pressure in the at-risk gas line in Bay Point, California, Thursday, following a grass fire near the area.

“Venting of the Bay Point gas line is resulting in a loud, shrieking noise that has been described as a jet-engine-like sound emanating from the Chevron Pipeline Facility on Buchanan Road in Antioch. This is a normal part of the risk-mitigation process. Please do not call 911,” the fire department tweeted.

Original story

An underground Chevron natural gas pipeline near Poinsettia Avenue and Suisun Avenue in Bay Point, California, was being threatened by a grass fire, prompting evacuation within half a mile of the scene.

The Contra Costa Fire Protection District arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, they have advised people living within the danger zone to evacuate immediately.

“Con Fire on scene of a grass fire that is threatening an underground gas pipeline in Baypoint, vicinity Poinsettia and Suisun Avenues. Evacuations within 1/2 mile of site we're ordered in the last few minutes. Pittsburg PD and CCC Sheriff carrying out evacs,” Contra Costa County Fire tweeted Thursday.

In a follow-up tweet, the fire department added: “Anyone in the Baypoint area delineated by N. Broadway to the West, Summer Way to the East, Suisun Ave to the north and Willow Pass Road to the South should evacuate this area and plan to remain away overnight. #poinsettiaic”

A reporter for NBC Bay Area reported the grass fire had got into an underground vault, starting a fire there. The gas line being threatened by the fire was isolated, which reduced the risk of an explosion, although the danger still remained.

The Pittsburg Police Department and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office announced they have closed railroad traffic on both sides as they carry out evacuations. The fire department urged people to call 911 if they need additional assistance in evacuating from their homes. Non-residents were told to avoid the area until further notice.

Evacuation centers were being set up at the Calvary Church, Evora Road and the Bay Point BART station.

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office put out the following statement regarding the evacuations near Poinsettia Avenue and Suisun Avenue: “Due to natural gas leak, an immediate evacuation has been ordered in Bay Point between Bailey Road and Loftus Lane and from the railroad tracks south to Hanlon Way.”

The statement also laid out the following rules for evacuating: “Take only those essential items you have ready and can carry with you. Pets must be in a carrier or on a leash. Lock your windows and doors as you leave. Stay off the phone unless you need to report a life-threatening emergency at your location.”