This morning at 10:25 AM, KVFD,was dispatched to an odor of gas inside a business in the 300 block of Common's Drive, West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, PA. The caller reported an odor of gas inside the store. The business was evacuating as the call was placed to 9-1-1. Ladder 8 and Ambulance 8 responded with a total of 6 firefighters. Traffic 8 also responded.
Upon arrival, Ladder 8 was advised by store management there was a gas odor inside. Crews checked the store with extreme caution due to the explosive nature of natural gas. An odor of gas was found inside of the caller's store but was very faint. As a result firefighters checked the stores on both sides of the reporting store. Ladder 8 was set up and 2 firefighters were sent to the roof to check the HVAC units. Due to the dangers of gas leaks and unknown source/location Command requested Station 31 for an Engine and with an additional engine from Station 8. Engine 31 responded as well as Rescue 8 both with additional manpower. It was determined that an air handler on the roof had a gas leak that was pumping the gas into the structure. The store next to the caller had very high gas concentrations, and was subsequently evacuated. Once the source of the gas leak was determined and shut off, the stores were ventilated until levels were safe. The stores were then closed back up and checked again to ensure the levels remained safe and all leaks were resolved.
Once all levels were found to be safe, crews cleared the incident and returned to quarters. Fire police in Traffic 8 controlled traffic and pedestrians during the incident to ensure the safety of the public.
