Asheville, NC, October 23, 2025
News Summary
On October 22, the Asheville Fire Department responded to a gas leak in the Montford community, prompting immediate evacuations. Residents within a two-block radius were evacuated, and a shelter was set up for their safety. The leak, reported at 244 Montford Avenue, was secured by Enbridge Gas quickly. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the evacuation order was lifted shortly after the situation was managed. Community communication played a key role during the incident.
Asheville Responds to Gas Leak in Montford Neighborhood
Asheville, NC – On Wednesday, October 22, the Asheville Fire Department was alerted to a gas leak in the Montford community at approximately 9:30 a.m. The leak was reported at 244 Montford Avenue, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents within a two-block radius.
Individuals were informed to evacuate the area swiftly, and a shelter was set up for evacuees at the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, located at 34 Pearson Drive. The community received alerts about the evacuation at 10:14 a.m. through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning system (IPAWS), which is managed by Buncombe County. Additional notifications were provided via social media and through door-to-door visits by Asheville Fire Department personnel.
Enbridge Gas was subsequently called to the scene to address the situation. The team successfully secured the gas leak by 11:05 a.m. Following this, the fire department confirmed the leak had been stopped, and the evacuation order was lifted at 11:35 a.m., allowing residents to safely return to their homes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the gas leak.
Following the incident, staff from Enbridge will remain on site to complete necessary gas line repairs. The leak was traced back to excavation work carried out by a third party near the intersection of Montford Avenue and Watauga Street.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date: October 22
- Time of Initial Report: 9:30 a.m.
- Location: 244 Montford Avenue
- Evacuation Radius: Two-block radius
- Shelter Location: Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Drive
- Time Evacuation Alerts Sent: 10:14 a.m.
- Time Gas Leak Secured: 11:05 a.m.
- Evacuation Order Lifted: 11:35 a.m.
- Incident Cause: Excavation work by a third party
- Injuries: None reported
Background on Gas Leaks in Asheville
The Asheville Fire Department routinely prepares for potential gas leaks, which can pose dangerous hazards in residential areas. During an incident like this, effective communication and a coordinated emergency response are critical for ensuring community safety.
The Montford neighborhood, known for its historic homes and vibrant community, has residents who rely heavily on timely notifications during emergencies. The combined efforts of the Asheville Fire Department and Enbridge Gas were invaluable in managing the crisis swiftly and safely.
Conclusion
The prompt response by the Asheville Fire Department and the collaboration with Enbridge Gas ensured that the situation was handled effectively, showcasing the readiness of local services to deal with potential hazards. Community members are encouraged to stay alert and informed during similar incidents to ensure their safety and the safety of their neighbors.
FAQ
What time did the Asheville Fire Department respond to the gas leak?
The Asheville Fire Department responded to the gas leak at approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 22.
Where was the gas leak reported?
The gas leak was first reported at 244 Montford Avenue.
What was done for the individuals affected by the evacuation?
A shelter was established for evacuees at the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center located at 34 Pearson Drive.
How were community members notified about the evacuation?
Community members were alerted about the evacuation at 10:14 a.m. through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning system (IPAWS), managed by Buncombe County, along with social media notifications and door-to-door notifications by Asheville Fire Department personnel.
When was the evacuation order lifted?
The evacuation order was lifted by 11:35 a.m., indicating residents could safely return to their homes.
What caused the gas leak?
The gas leak occurred due to excavation work done by a third party near the intersection of Montford Avenue and Watauga Street.
Incident Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 22 |
| Time of Initial Report | 9:30 a.m. |
| Location of Leak | 244 Montford Avenue |
| Radius of Evacuation | Two-block radius |
| Shelter Location | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center |
| Time of Evacuation Alerts | 10:14 a.m. |
| Time Gas Leak Secured | 11:05 a.m. |
| Evacuation Order Lifted At | 11:35 a.m. |
| Cause of Gas Leak | Excavation work |
| Injuries | None reported |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Gas Leak Evacuation
- WYFF: Asheville Gas Leak Evacuations
- 828 News Now: Gas Leak in Montford Neighborhood
- Fox Carolina: Residents Can Return Home After Gas Leak
- Google Search: Gas Leak Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
