FRNSW issues safety reminder as major gas pipeline ruptures - Bathurst
Published: 03 Nov 2022 05:12pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is helping lead a major operation to maintain community safety and restore vital services after a major gas leak in the state's Central West.
Bathurst's largest gas pipeline, running under the Macquarie River, ruptured overnight.
The incident has cut gas supplies to 20,000 customers in Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon and surrounding villages. Major hospitals and jails are also impacted.
Today, a Local Emergency Management Centre has been stood up, with FRNSW and other emergency services working alongside councils and the gas company.
FRNSW HAZMAT specialists are offering technical insight to eliminate risks of explosion and fire as repairs and restoration works are carried out.
The gas company is working out alternative supply options, with remedial works possibly going to involve individually turning off all gas mains and then reigniting pilot lights when supply is turned back on.
With a cold snap currently impacting the region, FRNSW reminds residents that outdoor cookers, BBQ’s and heaters, particularly those with charcoal beads, give off poisonous Carbon Monoxide gas and should never be used inside homes.
FRNSW also warns the public not to use petrol-powered pumps, outdoor heaters or generators indoors due to the deadly CO gases that are produced.
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that can build up in rooms and overwhelm people without warning, leading to death.
Don’t risk your safety or that of your loved ones, keep them safe by leaving outdoor heat sources outside.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:13pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
56 Suttor Street, Bathurst NSW 2795
4 Pat OLeary Drive, Kelso NSW 2795
23 Church Street, Blaney NSW 2799