Asheville, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville Fire Department swiftly responded to a gas leak caused by planned water maintenance work at 244 Montford Avenue. The leak, reported in the morning, prompted an evacuation of residents within a two-block radius, with emergency officials providing clear communication through alerts and door-to-door notifications. Enbridge Gas secured the leak by mid-morning, allowing residents to safely return after ensuring no injuries occurred. This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in the community.
Asheville
The Asheville Fire Department responded to a gas leak caused by planned water maintenance work near the intersection of Montford Avenue and Watauga Street at 244 Montford Ave. on Wednesday, October 22. The leak was reported just before 9:30 a.m., prompting immediate emergency action.
After receiving the report, fire marshals coordinated with Enbridge Gas, which arrived on scene to assess and manage the situation. The leak was secured by Enbridge Gas at 11:05 a.m., marking a critical point in restoring safety to the area.
In response to the leak, emergency officials issued evacuation notices for individuals within a two-block radius. Residents were instructed to evacuate immediately to the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center located at 34 Pearson Drive. Community members were alerted of this evacuation at 10:14 a.m. through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning system (IPAWs), which is managed by Buncombe County.
The Asheville Fire Department also disseminated additional communication via social media and conducted door-to-door notifications to ensure all residents were aware of the evacuation and could get to safety.
The all-clear was given, and residents were informed they could return home safely at 11:35 a.m. Enbridge staff will remain on site to complete the necessary gas line repair following the incident. Fortunately, officials reported that no injuries occurred during this situation.
This gas leak arose while a third-party company was conducting excavation work in the area, highlighting the need for continued diligence regarding safety protocols during maintenance activities. Local authorities stress the importance of prompt reporting and response in preventing potential emergencies from escalating.
Background Context
Gas leaks can pose serious hazards to residents and the surrounding environment. The quick response by the Asheville Fire Department and Enbridge Gas exemplifies the importance of emergency preparedness and community safety. Such incidents underscore the role of municipal services in maintaining public safety during routine infrastructure work.
FAQ
What caused the gas leak in Asheville’s Montford neighborhood?
The gas leak was caused by planned water maintenance work in the area.
When was the gas leak reported?
The leak was reported just before 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22.
How long did it take to secure the leak?
The leak was secured by Enbridge Gas at 11:05 a.m.
Where were residents evacuated to?
Residents were evacuated to the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center at 34 Pearson Drive.
How were residents informed about the evacuation?
Residents were alerted through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning system (IPAWs), social media, and door-to-door notifications by the Asheville Fire Department.
When were residents allowed to return home?
Residents were informed they were safe to return home after the evacuation was lifted at 11:35 a.m.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries occurred during this incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Date | Time of Leak Report | Time Leak Secured | Evacuation Start Time | Evacuation End Time | Location | Injuries Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 22 | 9:30 a.m. | 11:05 a.m. | 10:14 a.m. | 11:35 a.m. | 244 Montford Ave | No |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Gas Leak Evacuation in Asheville
- 828 News Now: Gas Leak Prompts Evacuations
- Fox Carolina: Residents Evacuated Due to Gas Leak
- Wikipedia: Gas Leak
- Google Search: Asheville Gas Leak Evacuation
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.
