Nicor Restores Service after Gas Pipe Ruptures

Rockford- Firefighters secure the 1200 block of Holland Street as blowing gas forced neighbors out of their homes.

Evacuee Diana Hunter says "I was sleeping when they come. I heard something sizzling." Holland Street between Montague and Loomis was shut down for hours.

Hunter says her neighbors that were home when firefighters knocked on their doors were forced to leave. "I saw them being evacuated so they're all out," she explains.

District Fire Chief Bud Turner says it started with Rockford's Water Department. Chief Turner says "yesterday I believe they were working on the sewer. And they nicked a water line so they came out to fix the water line today and they hit a two inch plastic gas line."

The water department says debris from the dig fell on the pipe, breaking it. It created a dangerous situation that firefighters say can be avoided. "Well you do have where you can call Julie, or wherever, they come in and mark the lines all the lines are marked I don't know how they hit it I haven't talked to the city crew yet."

"Call before you dig" is Julie's slogan. Contractors are urged to call 811 several days before digging. Julie sends someone to mark underground lines, pipes and cables helping workers dig safely.

Chief Turner explains "they mark all the lines with spray paint, flags; all your utility lines are marked."

Home owners are urged to call 811 to prevent a dangerous scene like today's gas rupture from forcing them from their home.