Gas Leak Ties Up Downtown Katonah
 
By Ex Chief Dean W. Pappas
June 24, 2020
 

At about 11 AM Wednesday morning, Katonah Fire Department was dispatched to a reported gas leak on The Parkway in Katonah. Contractors working on the Town of Bedford's sewer construction project had struck a gas main, causing a leak. Engine 116, Engine 115, Engine 117, and Ladder 39 responded. Upon arrival at the scene, Engine 116 assumed command and started establishing a safe zone in the area of Parkway and Katonah Avenue. As additional appratus arrived, crews went to work evacuating the various businesses in the area. Meanwhile, Engine 115 and Engine 116 both tied into fire hydrants, and Engine 115 stretched a hose line. After evacuating various businesses, crews then searched the same businesses and took gas readings to get an idea of the extent and severity of the leak. Bedford Hills FD's Engine 199 was also dispatched to the scene to assist in this process. Afterwards, Engine 199 relocated to KFD headquarters to cover our district while KFD continued to operate. After about an hour and a half, Con Ed isolated the leak, and firefighting crews confirmed a lack of elevated gas readings in the evacuated businesses. The scene was turned over fully to Con Ed at about 1 PM, and Katonah units went back into service. KFD wishes to thank Bedford Hills for its mutual aid at this incident as well as KBHVAC for providing rehab for our firefighters on this very hot day.

 
Units: Engine 115, Engine 116, Engine 117, Ladder 39, Utility 22
 
Mutual Aid: Battalion 16, Bedford Hills Engine 199, Bedford Hills Car 2034, Bedford Hills Car 2032, Con Ed Gas, Bedford PD, KBHVAC