By Daily Press staff
The Big Blue Bus was evacuated this past week after a bus leaked natural gas. No injuries or damage occurred.
The Santa Monica Fire Department responded to the Big Blue Bus garage at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday after it was reported that a bus was leaking natural gas. Big Blue Bus staff self-evacuated the surrounding buildings and firefighters turned off the valves leading to the 200 gallon LNG tank. They pulled a hose line as a precautionary measure and monitored the outside air and the air inside the administrative building. All readings were well below the level of flammability.
A standard verified hazardous materials response involves sending two fire engine companies, the truck and rescue company, a paramedic ambulance, the battalion chief and the hazardous materials truck. The SMFD hazardous materials truck is a specialized vehicle equipped for a variety of possible hazardous materials situations. It carries hazardous materials entry suits with differing levels of protection, decontamination solutions, gas monitors, a computer station, and is equipped for chemical testing with a pull-out laboratory. It is staffed as needed with specially trained fire department personnel.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 15, 2003. Read the original PDF.