A gas leak in Newell Monday evening prompted road closures, home evacuations and a multi‑agency response — but no injuries were reported.
The Newell Fire Department was first called to North Fulton Street after a resident came home and smelled gas inside their house. Fire Chief Bruce Erie says that initial call quickly escalated.
Firefighters ultimately found three homes with gas inside, and several more were temporarily evacuated until crews could pinpoint the source of the leak. Erie says 10 Newell firefighters responded, and the department called in aid from Storm Lake and Albert City to check homes and secure the area.
The leak was traced to a line struck during fiber installation work in the neighborhood. MidAmerican Energy responded and clamped off the damaged section of pipe. Erie says the repair work did not require shutting off gas service to other homes.
With hot, humid weather and almost no wind Monday night, the smell of gas lingered outdoors longer than usual. Erie says residents should always take that smell seriously — especially indoors.
The City of Newell posted updates to Facebook throughout the evening, urging drivers to avoid North Fulton from Warden Park to Chaney Street while crews worked. The road reopened once the leak was secured.
Erie says the cooperation among agencies — and from residents — helped keep the situation under control.
Crews stayed on scene for several hours while MidAmerican fixed the damaged line. Erie says the community’s quick cooperation helped keep the situation controlled and everyone safe.
The Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the incident.
