A gas leak has shut down several roads on Bend’s west side and caused the temporary evacuation of two homes, four blocks north of Newport Avenue.

The 4-inch gas line was struck by contractors working on a water line project at Northwest Saginaw Avenue and Northwest Juniper Street on Monday morning, according to Bend Fire & Rescue.

The gas leak prompted a closure on Juniper Street for three blocks from Portland Avenue to Trenton Avenue. Another road closure is on Saginaw Avenue from Quincy Avenue to the dead end to the east.

Two homes were evacuated and other residents were asked to shelter in place with their doors and windows shut. Bend Fire & Rescue said gas is going up into the atmosphere and not toward any homes.

For safety reasons, power was shut off in the area, impacting around 2,100 customers, said Dan Derlacki, deputy fire marshal with Bend Fire & Rescue.

“In an abundance of caution with the gas we want to make sure there are no sparks outside and inside houses,” said Derlacki. 

Crews are working on plugging the gas leak and the work should be complete by noon today, Derlacki said. When the leak is plugged power can be restored.

Cascade Natural Gas crews will remain in the area to repair damage to the pipe. Natural gas deliveries to customers will be restored by the end of today, Derlacki said.

Large gas leaks that prompt road closures occur up to 10 times a year in Bend, Derkacki said.